Medical products storage device including access control

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for storing medical products such as pharmaceutical and medical products in climate controlled storage devices includes climate control systems in communication with inventory access and tracking systems.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of U.S.provisional applications 61/858,880 filed on Jul. 26, 2013, and61/910,953 filed Dec. 2, 2013 each of which is incorporated by referenceherein.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure is related to access control in medical productsstorage devices. More specifically, the present disclosure is related tomedical storage systems with integrated inventory tracking and accesscontrol functions.

Medical supplies such as pharmaceuticals and blood products are highvalue commodities requiring stringent quality and inventory controlmeasures. Medical products including medications, tissues, and bloodproducts such as whole blood, plasma, or platelets, for example, are inlimited supply and have a limited shelf life and stringent qualitycontrol requirements to maintain the quality of the products. In somecases, it is important to maintain the environment in which theseproducts are stored within specific parameters. For example,temperature, humidity, and/or exposure to ultraviolet light may all bemonitored and/or controlled.

Another aspect of the quality control requirement is that access to themedical products be limited to only those individuals who are authorizedto handle the medical products. Stored items may be pre-matched to aspecific individual or storage location. Authorization for access may becontrolled to limit those individuals who have access to a particularstorage location based on the authorization level of the individual.Access control also assists in preventing materials from being removedunexpectedly and may form part of an inventory control and managementsystem.

This can be contrasted to the need for ready access to medical productsin the event of power loss or an equipment failure may be necessary toprevent medical products from being inaccessible in emergencies. Powerloss generally results in the loss of temperature control. In the caseof specific stored products, such as blood products, for example, theproduct must be quickly relocated before the storage conditions falloutside of acceptable levels. In situations where large numbers ofmedical products are stored in a single climate control device, quickidentification of the particular location of the medical productinventory that is needed assists with productivity and limits the timespent by a user locating appropriate inventory.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present application discloses one or more of the features recited inthe appended claims and/or the following features which, alone or in anycombination, may comprise patentable subject matter:

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a storage devicefor medical products comprises a control system, a cabinet, a pluralityof storage containers, and an actuation assembly. The cabinet encloses aplurality of storage spaces. Each storage container is associated withone of the storage spaces. The actuation assembly includes an array ofactuators. Each of the actuators of the array is associated with arespective storage container. Each of the actuators is independentlyactuable to secure or release the respective storage container withwhich the respective actuator is associated.

In some embodiments, each storage space includes an arm movable betweena first position in which the arm secures a respective storage containerand a second position in which the arm releases the respective storagecontainer. In some embodiments, the arm includes a hook that engages therespective storage container when the arm secures the storage containerand disengages the respective storage container when the arm releasesthe respective storage container.

In some embodiments, a respective actuator of the actuation assembly isoperable to move a respective arm between the first and secondpositions. In some embodiments, the arm is formed to include a push rodwhich acts on the respective storage container as the arm is moved tothe second position to cause the storage container to be moved in thestorage space such that a portion of the storage container extendsoutwardly from the storage space.

In some embodiments, the storage device further includes a detector todetect the position of the arm.

In some embodiments, each actuator, when present, may have an associatedsensor for detecting the position of an arm adjacent the respectiveactuator. In some embodiments, the sensor is a proximity sensor. In someembodiments, the sensor is an optical sensor. In some embodiments, thesensor is positioned on the actuation assembly and movable therewith. Insome embodiments, the arm is pivotable about a pivot axis between thefirst and second positions. In some embodiments, each actuator comprisesa solenoid actuated plunger that engages a respective arm when thesolenoid is energized to thereby move the arm between the first andsecond positions.

In some embodiments, the control system compares the state of thesolenoid to the signal from the detector to determine if the arm isproperly positioned. In some embodiments, the control system identifiesan error if the state of the solenoid and the signal from the detectordo not properly correspond.

In some embodiments, each of the arms engages a release mechanismoperable to simultaneously move the plurality of arms to the secondposition. In some embodiments, the release mechanism is manuallyoperable. In some embodiments, the release mechanism includes a securitydevice to prevent the release mechanism from being actuated. In someembodiments, the security device is a lock that is only moveable byoperation of a key.

In some embodiments, the release device further includes a mechanicalstructure that moves to an indicator position when the release devicehas been actuated. In some embodiments, the mechanical structure doesnot return from the indicator position when the release device isreturned to permit the arms to return to their respective firstpositions.

In some embodiments, the storage device includes a re-set actuator thatis operable, under the control of the control system, to move themechanical structure from the indicator position after the releasedevice has been moved to allow the arms to return to their respectivefirst positions. In some embodiments, the release device automaticallylocks when returned to a home position.

In some embodiments, the control system of the storage device furthercomprises a climate controller operable to monitor and control theclimate in the cabinet.

In some embodiments, the storage device further comprises a positioningassembly in communication with the control system, wherein thepositioning assembly moves the actuation assembly under the control ofthe control system, such that each actuator is adjacent a respectivefirst one of the storage containers in a first position and a respectivesecond one of the storage containers in a second position. In someembodiments, the storage device includes at least one detector fordetecting the position of the actuation assembly, the detector fordetecting the position of the actuation assembly being supported on theactuation assembly. In some embodiments, the detector for detecting theposition of the actuation assembly determines the position of theactuation assembly by detecting a characteristic of a fixed componentadjacent the actuation assembly. In some embodiments, the detectorcomprises a plurality of sensors, each sensor providing a signalresponsive to a characteristic of a respective fixed component adjacentthe actuation assembly, the control system determining the position ofthe actuation assembly by comparing the signals from the plurality ofsensors to a known arrangement of fixed components to identify theparticular position of the actuation assembly.

In some embodiments, the storage device further comprises an indicatorassembly operable to provide an indication to a user of a storagelocation where the storage container has been released. In someembodiments, the indicator assembly includes a light emitting componentthat is operable to provide the indication. In some embodiments, thelight emitting component illuminates at least a portion of the storagecontainer that has been released. In some embodiments, the storagecontainer comprises a light conducting material. In some embodiments,the light emitting component is positioned adjacent the storagecontainer that has been released. In some embodiments, the controlsystem causes the light emitting component to illuminate intermittently.

In some embodiments, each storage space is defined by a an enclosurethat includes a floor and a ceiling, the storage device including stopthat extends from the floor and engages a bottom hook formed on a bottomof a storage container when the storage container is engaged with thefloor and slid along the floor from a storage position to removedposition. In some embodiments, the stop extending from the floor of thestorage space extends vertically upwardly from the floor into thestorage space. In some embodiments, the stop is integrally formed in thefloor. In some embodiments, the stop extending from the floor of thestorage space is removable.

In some embodiments, the storage container includes a front portion, aback portion, opposing lateral sides, and a bottom, the storagecontainer positionable in a storage space such that the back portion ispositioned adjacent the arm. In some embodiments, the hook formed in thebottom of the storage container is positioned closer to the back portionthan the front portion.

In some embodiments, the bottom of the storage container is formed suchthat a portion of the storage container near the front portion and aportion of the storage container near the back portion engage the floorof the storage space while a portion of the storage container positionedbetween the front portion and the back portion is spaced apart from thefloor of the storage space. In some embodiments, a first height of thestorage container near the front portion is greater than a second heightof the storage container near the rear portion. In some embodiments, theheight of the storage container varies such that a third height of thestorage container at a position between the front portion and the backportion is smaller than the second height and the first height.

In some embodiments, the storage container is removable from the storagespace. In some embodiments, the storage container is removable only bymoving the storage container such that a portion of the storagecontainer is outside of the storage space then manipulating the storagecontainer to cause the hook of the storage container to clear the stopextending from the floor of the storage space and then fully removingthe storage container from the storage space.

In some embodiments, the storage container includes a handle formed thefront portion, the handle accessible to a user when the storagecontainer is positioned in a storage space.

In some embodiments, the storage container comprises a material thatprovides light emission. In some embodiments, the storage containercomprises texturing in the front portion to cause diffusion of light.

In some embodiments, the storage container further comprises a lid. Insome embodiments, the storage container lid engages the storage space toprevent removal of the storage container from the storage space.

In some embodiments, the storage container comprises a magnet and eachstorage space includes a sensor operable to detect a magnetic field, thesensor positioned to detect the magnetic field of the magnet of thestorage container when the storage container is in a storage position inthe storage space. In some embodiments, the sensor, when detecting thepresence of a magnetic field, provides a signal to the control systemindicative of the presence of a storage container in the respectivestorage space.

In some embodiments, the storage device further comprises a plurality oflight emitting components operable to shine a light into the storagespace and a plurality of light detecting sensors positioned to detectlight.

In some embodiments, each storage container defines a storage trayhaving four interior walls and an interior bottom surface for supportinga product to be stored and the interior bottom surface includes areflective material.

In some embodiments, the light emitting components and light detectingsensors cooperate such that when the light emitting component isilluminated, a respective light detecting sensor monitors for reflectedlight. In some embodiments, when the light detecting sensor does notdetect light when the respective light emitting component isilluminated, the light detecting sensor provides a signal to the controlsystem indicating that the respective storage container contains aproduct or container. In some embodiments, when the light detectingsensor detects light when the respective light emitting component isilluminated, the light detecting sensor provides a signal to the controlsystem indicating that the respective storage container does not containa product.

In some embodiments, the storage device further comprises a plurality ofproximity sensors, each proximity sensor positionable adjacent a storagespace and operable to detect that a product is stored in the respectivestorage space.

In some embodiments, the actuation assembly includes a plurality oftemperature sensors, each of the temperature sensors operable to detectthe temperature of a first respective storage space. In someembodiments, each of the temperature sensors provides a signalindicative of the temperature in a first respective storage space to thecontrol system, the control system operable to compare the temperaturesof the first respective storage spaces to assess the operational statusof the storage device. In some embodiments, the control system isoperable to determine if a temperature gradient exists in the storagedevice.

In some embodiments, the control system is operable to move theactuation assembly to permit the temperature sensors to detecttemperatures in second respective storage spaces.

In some embodiments, the storage device includes an oscillating platformsupporting the plurality of storage spaces, the oscillating platformoperable to selectively oscillate the storage spaces, and, thereby,oscillate a product stored in a respective storage space.

In some embodiments, the storage device includes at least one radiofrequency identification sensor operable to detect radio frequencyidentification signals emitted from product stored in the storagedevice. In some embodiments, the storage device includes a plurality ofradio frequency identification sensors, each of the radio frequencyidentification sensors associated with a specific storage space. In someembodiments, the radio frequency identification sensors are eachoperable to provide a signal to the control system indicative of theradio frequency identification signals detected by the particular radioidentification sensor such that the control system associates a specificproduct identification with a specific storage space.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a storage devicefor medical products comprises a control system, a cabinet, a pluralityof storage containers, an actuation assembly, and a positioningassembly. The cabinet encloses a plurality of storage spaces. Theplurality of storage containers are each associated with one of thestorage spaces. The actuation assembly includes an array of actuators.Each of the actuators of the array is associated with a respectivestorage container. Each of the actuators is independently actuable tosecure or release the respective storage container with which therespective actuator is associated. The positioning assembly is incommunication with the control system. The positioning assembly movesthe actuation assembly under the control of the control system, suchthat each actuator is adjacent a respective first one of the storagecontainers in a first position and a respective second one of thestorage containers in a second position.

In some embodiments, the control system of the storage device furthercomprises a climate controller operable to monitor and control theclimate in the cabinet.

In some embodiments, each storage space includes an arm movable betweena first position in which the arm secures a respective storage containerand a second position in which the arm releases the respective storagecontainer. In some embodiments, the arm includes a hook that engages therespective storage container when the arm secures the storage containerand disengages the respective storage container when the arm releasesthe respective storage container.

In some embodiments, a respective actuator of the actuation assembly isoperable to move a respective arm between the first and secondpositions. In some embodiments, the storage device further includes adetector to detect the position of the arm.

In some embodiments, each actuator has an associated sensor fordetecting the position of an arm adjacent the respective actuator. Insome embodiments, the sensor is a proximity sensor. In some embodiments,the sensor is an optical sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor ispositioned on the actuation assembly and movable therewith. In someembodiments, the arm is pivotable about a pivot axis between the firstand second positions.

In some embodiments, the storage device includes at least one detectorfor detecting the position of the actuation assembly. In someembodiments, the detector for detecting the position of the actuationassembly is supported on the actuation assembly. In some embodiments,the detector for detecting the position of the actuation assemblydetermines the position of the actuation assembly by detecting acharacteristic of a fixed component adjacent the actuation assembly. Insome embodiments, the detector comprises a plurality of sensors, eachsensor providing a signal responsive to a characteristic of a respectivefixed component adjacent the actuation assembly, the control systemdetermining the position of the actuation assembly by comparing thesignals from the plurality of sensors to a known arrangement of fixedcomponents to identify the particular position of the actuationassembly.

In some embodiments, each actuator comprises a solenoid actuated plungerthat engages a respective arm when the solenoid is energized to therebymove the arm between the first and second positions. In someembodiments, the control system compares the state of the solenoid tothe signal from the detector to determine if the arm is properlypositioned.

In some embodiments, the arm is formed to include a push rod which actson the respective storage container as the arm is moved to the secondposition to cause the storage container to be moved in the storage spacesuch that a portion of the storage container extends outwardly from thestorage space.

In some embodiments, each of the arms engages a release mechanismoperable to simultaneously move the plurality of arms to the secondposition.

In some embodiments, the release mechanism is manually operable. In someembodiments, the release mechanism includes a security device to preventthe release mechanism from being actuated. In some embodiments, thesecurity device is a lock that is only moveable by operation of a key.In some embodiments, the release device further includes a mechanicalstructure that moves to an indicator position when the release devicehas been actuated. In some embodiments, the mechanical structure doesnot return from the indicator position when the release device isreturned to permit the arms to return to their respective firstpositions. In some embodiments, the storage device includes a re-setactuator that is operable, under the control of the control system, tomove the mechanical structure from the indicator position after therelease device has been moved to allow the arms to return to theirrespective first positions. In some embodiments, the release deviceautomatically locks when returned to a home position.

In some embodiments, the storage device further comprises an indicatorassembly operable to provide an indication to a user of a storagelocation where the storage container has been released. In someembodiments, the indicator assembly includes a light emitting componentthat is operable to provide the indication. In some embodiments, thelight emitting component illuminates at least a portion of the storagecontainer that has been released.

In some embodiments, the storage container comprises a light conductingmaterial. In some embodiments, the light emitting component ispositioned adjacent the storage container that has been released. Insome embodiments, the controller causes the light emitting component toilluminate intermittently.

In some embodiments, each storage space is defined by a an enclosurethat includes a floor and a ceiling, the storage device including stopthat extends from the floor and engages a bottom hook formed on a bottomof a storage container when the storage container is engaged with thefloor and slid along the floor from a storage position to removedposition. In some embodiments, the stop extending from the floor of thestorage space extends vertically upwardly from the floor into thestorage space. In some embodiments, the stop is integrally formed in thefloor. In some embodiments, the stop extending from the floor of thestorage space is removable.

In some embodiments, a storage container includes a front portion, aback portion, opposing lateral sides, and a bottom, the storagecontainer positionable in a storage space such that the back portion ispositioned adjacent the arm. In some embodiments, the hook formed in thebottom of the storage container is positioned closer to the back portionthan the front portion.

In some embodiments, the bottom of the storage container is formed suchthat a portion of the storage container near the front portion and aportion of the storage container near the back portion engage the floorof the storage space while a portion of the storage container positionedbetween the front portion and the back portion is spaced apart from thefloor of the storage space. In some embodiments, a first height of thestorage container near the front portion is greater than a second heightof the storage container near the rear portion. In some embodiments, theheight of the storage container varies such that a third height of thestorage container at a position between the front portion and the backportion is smaller than the second height and the first height.

In some embodiments, the storage container is removable from the storagespace. In some embodiments, the storage container is removable only bymoving the storage container such that a portion of the storagecontainer is outside of the storage space then manipulating the storagecontainer to cause the hook of the storage container to clear the stopextending from the floor of the storage space and then fully removingthe storage container from the storage space.

In some embodiments, the storage container includes a handle formed thefront portion, the handle accessible to a user when the storagecontainer is positioned in a storage space. In some embodiments, thestorage container comprises a material that provides light emission. Insome embodiments, the storage container comprises texturing in the frontportion to cause diffusion of light.

In some embodiments, the storage container further comprises a lid. Insome embodiments, the storage container lid engages the storage space toprevent removal of the storage container from the storage space.

In some embodiments, the storage container comprises a magnet and eachstorage space includes a sensor operable to detect a magnetic field, thesensor positioned to detect the magnetic field of the magnet of thestorage container when the storage container is in a storage position inthe storage space. In some embodiments, the sensor, when detecting thepresence of a magnetic field, provides a signal to the control systemindicative of the presence of a storage container in the respectivestorage space.

In some embodiments, the storage device further comprises a plurality oflight emitting components operable to shine a light into the storagespace and a plurality of light detecting sensors positioned to detectlight.

In some embodiments, each storage container defines a storage trayhaving four interior walls and an interior bottom surface for supportinga product to be stored, and wherein the interior bottom surface includesa reflective material.

In some embodiments, the light emitting components and light detectingsensors cooperate such that when the light emitting component isilluminated, a respective light detecting sensor monitors for reflectedlight. In some embodiments, when the light detecting sensor does notdetect light when the respective light emitting component isilluminated, the light detecting sensor provides a signal to the controlsystem indicating that the respective storage container contains aproduct. In some embodiments, the light detecting sensor detects lightwhen the respective light emitting component is illuminated, the lightdetecting sensor provides a signal to the control system indicating thatthe respective storage container does not contain a product.

In some embodiments, the storage device further comprises a plurality ofproximity sensors, each proximity sensor positionable adjacent a storagespace and operable to detect that a product is stored in the respectivestorage space.

In some embodiments, the actuation assembly includes a plurality oftemperature sensors, each of the temperature sensors operable to detectthe temperature of a first respective storage space. In someembodiments, each of the temperature sensors provides a signalindicative of the temperature in a first respective storage space to thecontrol system, the control system operable to compare the temperaturesof the first respective storage spaces to assess the operational statusof the storage device. In some embodiments, the control system isoperable to determine if a temperature gradient exists in the storagedevice. In some embodiments, the control system is operable to move theactuation assembly to permit the temperature sensors to detecttemperatures in second respective storage spaces.

In some embodiments, the storage device includes an oscillating platformsupporting the plurality of storage spaces, the oscillating platformoperable to selectively oscillate the storage spaces, and, thereby,oscillate products stored in a respective storage space.

In some embodiments, the storage device includes at least one radiofrequency identification sensor operable to detect radio frequencyidentification signals emitted from product stored in the storagedevice. In some embodiments, the storage device includes a plurality ofradio frequency identification sensors, each of the radio frequencyidentification sensors associated with a specific storage space. In someembodiments, the radio frequency identification sensors are eachoperable to provide a signal to the control system indicative of theradio frequency identification signals detected by the particular radioidentification sensor such that the control system associates a specificproduct identification with a specific storage space.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a storage devicefor medical products comprises a control system, a cabinet, a pluralityof storage containers, and an oscillating platform. The cabinet enclosesa plurality of storage spaces. Each storage container is associated withone of the storage spaces. The oscillating platform supports theplurality of storage spaces, the oscillating platform operable toselectively oscillate the storage spaces, and, thereby, oscillateproduct stored in a respective storage space.

In some embodiments, the control system of the storage device furthercomprises a climate controller operable to monitor and control theclimate in the cabinet.

In some embodiments, each storage space includes an arm movable betweena first position in which the arm secures a respective storage containerand a second position in which the arm releases the respective storagecontainer. In some embodiments, the arm includes a hook that engages therespective storage container when the arm secures the storage containerand disengages the respective storage container when the arm releasesthe respective storage container. In some embodiments, a respectiveactuator of the actuation assembly is operable to move a respective armbetween the first and second positions.

In some embodiments, the storage device further includes a detector todetect the position of the arm. In some embodiments, each actuator hasan associated sensor for detecting the position of an arm adjacent therespective actuator. In some embodiments, the sensor is a proximitysensor. In some embodiments, the sensor is an optical sensor. In someembodiments, the sensor is positioned on the actuation assembly andmovable therewith. In some embodiments, the arm is pivotable about apivot axis between the first and second positions.

In some embodiments, the storage device further comprises a positioningassembly in communication with the control system, wherein thepositioning assembly moves the actuation assembly under the control ofthe control system, such that each actuator is adjacent a respectivefirst one of the storage containers in a first position and a respectivesecond one of the storage containers in a second position.

In some embodiments, the storage device includes at least one detectorfor detecting the position of the actuation assembly, the detector fordetecting the position of the actuation assembly being supported on theactuation assembly. In some embodiments, the detector for detecting theposition of the actuation assembly determines the position of theactuation assembly by detecting a characteristic of a fixed componentadjacent the actuation assembly. In some embodiments, the detectorcomprises a plurality of sensors, each sensor providing a signalresponsive to a characteristic of a respective fixed component adjacentthe actuation assembly, the control system determining the position ofthe actuation assembly by comparing the signals from the plurality ofsensors to a known arrangement of fixed components to identify theparticular position of the actuation assembly.

In some embodiments, each actuator comprises a solenoid actuated plungerthat engages a respective arm when the solenoid is energized to therebymove the arm between the first and second positions.

In some embodiments, the control system compares the state of thesolenoid to the signal from the detector to determine if the arm isproperly positioned.

In some embodiments, the arm is formed to include a push rod which actson the respective storage container as the arm is moved to the secondposition to cause the storage container to be moved in the storage spacesuch that a portion of the storage container extends outwardly from thestorage space.

In some embodiments, each of the arms engages a release mechanismoperable to simultaneously move the plurality of arms to the secondposition. In some embodiments, the release mechanism is manuallyoperable. In some embodiments, the release mechanism includes a securitydevice to prevent the release mechanism from being actuated. In someembodiments, the security device is a lock that is only moveable byoperation of a key. In some embodiments, the release device furtherincludes a mechanical structure that moves to an indicator position whenthe release device has been actuated. In some embodiments, themechanical structure does not return from the indicator position whenthe release device is returned to permit the arms to return to theirrespective first positions. In some embodiments, the storage deviceincludes a re-set actuator that is operable, under the control of thecontrol system, to move the mechanical structure from the indicatorposition after the release device has been moved to allow the arms toreturn to their respective first positions. In some embodiments, therelease device automatically locks when returned to a home position.

In some embodiments, the storage device further comprises an indicatorassembly operable to provide an indication to a user of a storagelocation where the storage container has been released. In someembodiments, the indicator assembly includes a light emitting componentthat is operable to provide the indication. In some embodiments, thelight emitting component illuminates at least a portion of the storagecontainer that has been released.

In some embodiments, the storage container comprises a light conductingmaterial. In some embodiments, the light emitting component ispositioned adjacent the storage container that has been released. Insome embodiments, the controller causes the light emitting component toilluminate intermittently.

In some embodiments, each storage space is defined by an enclosure thatincludes a floor and a ceiling, the storage device including stop thatextends from the floor and engages a bottom hook formed on a bottom of astorage container when the storage container is engaged with the floorand slid along the floor from a storage position to removed position. Insome embodiments, the stop extending from the floor of the storage spaceextends vertically upwardly from the floor into the storage space. Insome embodiments, the stop is integrally formed in the floor. In someembodiments, the stop extending from the floor of the storage space isremovable.

In some embodiments, the storage container includes a front portion, aback portion, opposing lateral sides, and a bottom, the storagecontainer positionable in a storage space such that the back portion ispositioned adjacent the arm. In some embodiments, the hook formed in thebottom of the storage container is positioned closer to the back portionthan the front portion. In some embodiments, the bottom of the storagecontainer is formed such that a portion of the storage container nearthe front portion and a portion of the storage container near the backportion engage the floor of the storage space while a portion of thestorage container positioned between the front portion and the backportion is spaced apart from the floor of the storage space. In someembodiments, a first height of the storage container near the frontportion is greater than a second height of the storage container nearthe rear portion. In some embodiments, the height of the storagecontainer varies such that a third height of the storage container at aposition between the front portion and the back portion is smaller thanthe second height and the first height.

In some embodiments, the storage container is removable from the storagespace.

In some embodiments, the storage container is removable only by movingthe storage container such that a portion of the storage container isoutside of the storage space then manipulating the storage container tocause the hook of the storage container to clear the stop extending fromthe floor of the storage space and then fully removing the storagecontainer from the storage space.

In some embodiments, the storage container includes a handle formed thefront portion, the handle accessible to a user when the storagecontainer is positioned in a storage space. In some embodiments, thestorage container comprises a material that provides light emission. Insome embodiments, the storage container comprises texturing in the frontportion to cause diffusion of light.

In some embodiments, the storage container further comprises a lid. Insome embodiments, the storage container lid engages the storage space toprevent removal of the storage container from the storage space.

In some embodiments, the storage container comprises a magnet and eachstorage space includes a sensor operable to detect a magnetic field, thesensor positioned to detect the magnetic field of the magnet of thestorage container when the storage container is in a storage position inthe storage space. In some embodiments, the sensor, when detecting thepresence of a magnetic field, provides a signal to the control systemindicative of the presence of a storage container in the respectivestorage space.

In some embodiments, the storage device further comprises a plurality oflight emitting components operable to shine a light into the storagespace and a plurality of light detecting sensors positioned to detectlight.

In some embodiments, each storage container defines a storage trayhaving four interior walls and an interior bottom surface for supportinga product to be stored, and wherein the interior bottom surface includesa reflective material.

In some embodiments, the light emitting components and light detectingsensors cooperate such that when the light emitting component isilluminated, a respective light detecting sensor monitors for reflectedlight. In some embodiments, when the light detecting sensor does notdetect light when the respective light emitting component isilluminated, and the light detecting sensor provides a signal to thecontrol system indicating that the respective storage container containsa product. In some embodiments, the light detecting sensor detects lightwhen the respective light emitting component is illuminated, and thelight detecting sensor provides a signal to the control systemindicating that the respective storage container does not contain aproduct.

In some embodiments, the storage device further comprises a plurality ofproximity sensors, each proximity sensor positionable adjacent a storagespace and operable to detect that a product is stored in the respectivestorage space.

In some embodiments, the actuation assembly includes a plurality oftemperature sensors, each of the temperature sensors operable to detectthe temperature of a first respective storage space. In some of theembodiments, the temperature sensors provide a signal indicative of thetemperature in a first respective storage space to the control system,the control system operable to compare the temperatures of the firstrespective storage spaces to assess the operational status of thestorage device. In some embodiments, the control system is operable todetermine if a temperature gradient exists in the storage device.

In some embodiments, the control system is operable to move theactuation assembly to permit the temperature sensors to detecttemperatures in second respective storage spaces.

In some embodiments, the storage device includes at least one radiofrequency identification sensor operable to detect radio frequencyidentification signals emitted from product stored in the storagedevice.

In some embodiments, the storage device includes a plurality of radiofrequency identification sensors, each of the radio frequencyidentification sensors associated with a specific storage space.

In some embodiments, the radio frequency identification sensors are eachoperable to provide a signal to the control system indicative of theradio frequency identification signals detected by the particular radioidentification sensor such that the control system associates a specificproduct identification with a specific storage space.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage devicefor medical products comprises a control system, a cabinet, a pluralityof storage containers, an actuation assembly, and at least one radiofrequency identification sensor. The cabinet encloses a plurality ofstorage spaces. Each storage container is associated with one of thestorage spaces. The actuation assembly includes an array of actuators.Each of the actuators of the array is associated with a respectivestorage container. Each of the actuators is independently actuable tosecure or release the respective storage container with which therespective actuator is associated. The at least one radio frequencyidentification sensor is operable to detect radio frequencyidentification signals emitted from product stored in the storagedevice.

In some embodiments, the storage device includes a plurality of radiofrequency identification sensors, each of the radio frequencyidentification sensors associated with a specific storage space. In someembodiments, the radio frequency identification sensors are eachoperable to provide a signal to the control system indicative of theradio frequency identification signals detected by the particular radioidentification sensor such that the control system associates a specificproduct identification with a specific storage space.

In some embodiments, the control system of the storage device furthercomprises a climate controller operable to monitor and control theclimate in the cabinet.

In some embodiments, each storage space includes an arm movable betweena first position in which the arm secures a respective storage containerand a second position in which the arm releases the respective storagecontainer. In some embodiments, the arm includes a hook that engages therespective storage container when the arm secures the storage containerand disengages the respective storage container when the arm releasesthe respective storage container.

In some embodiments, a respective actuator of the actuation assembly isoperable to move a respective arm between the first and secondpositions.

In some embodiments, the storage device further includes a detector todetect the position of the arm.

In some embodiments, each actuator has an associated sensor fordetecting the position of an arm adjacent the respective actuator. Insome embodiments, the sensor is a proximity sensor. In some embodiments,the sensor is an optical sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor ispositioned on the actuation assembly and movable therewith.

In some embodiments, the arm is pivotable about a pivot axis between thefirst and second positions.

In some embodiments, the storage device further comprises a positioningassembly in communication with the control system, wherein thepositioning assembly moves the actuation assembly under the control ofthe control system, such that each actuator is adjacent a respectivefirst one of the storage containers in a first position and a respectivesecond one of the storage containers in a second position.

In some embodiments, the storage device includes at least one detectorfor detecting the position of the actuation assembly, the detector fordetecting the position of the actuation assembly being supported on theactuation assembly. In some embodiments, the detector for detecting theposition of the actuation assembly determines the position of theactuation assembly by detecting a characteristic of a fixed componentadjacent the actuation assembly. In some embodiments, the detectorcomprises a plurality of sensors, each sensor providing a signalresponsive to a characteristic of a respective fixed component adjacentthe actuation assembly, the control system determining the position ofthe actuation assembly by comparing the signals from the plurality ofsensors to a known arrangement of fixed components to identify theparticular position of the actuation assembly.

In some embodiments, each actuator comprises a solenoid actuated plungerthat engages a respective arm when the solenoid is energized to therebymove the arm between the first and second positions.

In some embodiments, the control system compares the state of thesolenoid to the signal from the detector to determine if the arm isproperly positioned.

In some embodiments, the arm is formed to include a push rod which actson the respective storage container as the arm is moved to the secondposition to cause the storage container to be moved in the storage spacesuch that a portion of the storage container extends outwardly from thestorage space.

In some embodiments, each of the arms engages a release mechanismoperable to simultaneously move the plurality of arms to the secondposition. In some embodiments, the release mechanism is manuallyoperable. In some embodiments, the release mechanism includes a securitydevice to prevent the release mechanism from being actuated. In someembodiments, the security device is a lock that is only moveable byoperation of a key.

In some embodiments, the release device further includes a mechanicalstructure that moves to an indicator position when the release devicehas been actuated. In some embodiments, the mechanical structure doesnot return from the indicator position when the release device isreturned to permit the arms to return to their respective firstpositions. In some embodiments, the storage device includes a re-setactuator that is operable, under the control of the control system, tomove the mechanical structure from the indicator position after therelease device has been moved to allow the arms to return to theirrespective first positions. In some embodiments, the release deviceautomatically locks when returned to a home position.

In some embodiments, the storage device further comprises an indicatorassembly operable to provide an indication to a user of a storagelocation where the storage container has been released. In someembodiments, the indicator assembly includes a light emitting componentthat is operable to provide the indication. In some embodiments, thelight emitting component illuminates at least a portion of the storagecontainer that has been released.

In some embodiments, the storage container comprises a light conductingmaterial.

In some embodiments, the light emitting component is positioned adjacentthe storage container that has been released. In some embodiments, thecontroller causes the light emitting component to illuminateintermittently.

In some embodiments, each storage space is defined by a an enclosurethat includes a floor and a ceiling, the storage device including stopthat extends from the floor and engages a bottom hook formed on a bottomof a storage container when the storage container is engaged with thefloor and slid along the floor from a storage position to removedposition. In some embodiments, the stop extending from the floor of thestorage space extends vertically upwardly from the floor into thestorage space. In some embodiments, the stop is integrally formed in thefloor. In some embodiments, the stop extending from the floor of thestorage space is removable.

In some embodiments, the storage container includes a front portion, aback portion, opposing lateral sides, and a bottom, the storagecontainer positionable in a storage space such that the back portion ispositioned adjacent the arm.

In some embodiments, the hook formed in the bottom of the storagecontainer is positioned closer to the back portion than the frontportion.

In some embodiments, the bottom of the storage container is formed suchthat a portion of the storage container near the front portion and aportion of the storage container near the back portion engage the floorof the storage space while a portion of the storage container positionedbetween the front portion and the back portion is spaced apart from thefloor of the storage space.

In some embodiments, a first height of the storage container near thefront portion is greater than a second height of the storage containernear the rear portion. In some embodiments, the height of the storagecontainer varies such that a third height of the storage container at aposition between the front portion and the back portion is smaller thanthe second height and the first height.

In some embodiments, the storage container is removable from the storagespace.

In some embodiments, the storage container is removable only by movingthe storage container such that a portion of the storage container isoutside of the storage space then manipulating the storage container tocause the hook of the storage container to clear the stop extending fromthe floor of the storage space and then fully removing the storagecontainer from the storage space.

In some embodiments, the storage container includes a handle formed thefront portion, the handle accessible to a user when the storagecontainer is positioned in a storage space.

In some embodiments, the storage container comprises a material thatprovides light emission. In some embodiments, the storage containercomprises texturing in the front portion to cause diffusion of light.

In some embodiments, the storage container further comprises a lid. Insome embodiments, the storage container lid engages the storage space toprevent removal of the storage container from the storage space.

In some embodiments, the storage container comprises a magnet and eachstorage space includes a sensor operable to detect a magnetic field, thesensor positioned to detect the magnetic field of the magnet of thestorage container when the storage container is in a storage position inthe storage space. In some embodiments, the sensor, when detecting thepresence of a magnetic field, provides a signal to the control systemindicative of the presence of a storage container in the respectivestorage space.

In some embodiments, the storage device further comprises a plurality oflight emitting components operable to shine a light into the storagespace and a plurality of light detecting sensors positioned to detectlight.

In some embodiments, each storage container defines a storage trayhaving four interior walls and an interior bottom surface for supportinga product to be stored, and wherein the interior bottom surface includesa reflective material.

In some embodiments, the light emitting components and light detectingsensors cooperate such that when the light emitting component isilluminated, a respective light detecting sensor monitors for reflectedlight. In some embodiments, when the light detecting sensor does notdetect light when the respective light emitting component isilluminated, and the light detecting sensor provides a signal to thecontrol system indicating that the respective storage container containsa product. In some embodiments, when the light detecting sensor detectslight when the respective light emitting component is illuminated, andthe light detecting sensor provides a signal to the control systemindicating that the respective storage container does not contain aproduct.

In some embodiments, the storage device further comprises a plurality ofproximity sensors, each proximity sensor positionable adjacent a storagespace and operable to detect that a product is stored in the respectivestorage space.

In some embodiments, the actuation assembly includes a plurality oftemperature sensors, each of the temperature sensors operable to detectthe temperature of a first respective storage space. In someembodiments, each of the temperature sensors provides a signalindicative of the temperature in a first respective storage space to thecontrol system, the control system operable to compare the temperaturesof the first respective storage spaces to assess the operational statusof the storage device. In some embodiments, the control system isoperable to determine if a temperature gradient exists in the storagedevice. In some embodiments, the control system is operable to move theactuation assembly to permit the temperature sensors to detecttemperatures in second respective storage spaces.

In some embodiments, the storage device includes an oscillating platformsupporting the plurality of storage spaces, the oscillating platformoperable to selectively oscillate the storage spaces, and, thereby,oscillate products stored in a respective storage space.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage traycomprises a base, a front wall extending upwardly from the base, a backwall extending upwardly from the base, a first lateral side wallextending upwardly from the base and between the front wall and backwall, and a second lateral side wall extending upwardly from the baseand between the front wall and back wall. The base, front wall, backwall, first lateral side wall, and second lateral side wall defining astorage container enclosure. The storage tray also comprises a pluralityof legs extending downwardly from the base, the legs operable to supportthe storage tray on a support surface. The storage tray also comprises areceiver positioned adjacent the back wall and outboard of the storagecontainer enclosure. The storage tray also comprises a handle positionedadjacent the front wall and outboard of the storage container enclosure.The storage tray also comprises a hook extending downwardly from thebase. The storage tray also comprises a tab extending upwardly from eachof the first and second lateral side walls, each tab extending along aportion of the length of each respective lateral side wall. The storagetray also comprises two grooves formed on opposite lateral sides of thebase, the grooves configured to receive the tabs of a first storage traywhen a second storage tray is stacked on the first storage tray.

In some embodiments, the hook formed in the bottom of the storage trayis positioned closer to the back portion than the front portion.

In some embodiments, the bottom of the storage tray is formed such thata portion of the storage tray near the front wall and a portion of thestorage tray near the back wall engage the floor of the storage spacewhile a portion of the storage tray positioned between the front walland the back wall is spaced apart from the floor of the storage space.

In some embodiments, a first height of the storage tray near the frontwall is greater than a second height of the storage tray near the rearportion.

In some embodiments, the height of the storage container varies suchthat a third height of the storage container at a position between thefront wall and the back wall is smaller than the second height and thefirst height.

In some embodiments, the storage tray comprises a material that provideslight emission.

In some embodiments, the storage tray comprises texturing in the handleto cause diffusion of light.

In some embodiments, the storage tray further comprises a lid.

In some embodiments, the storage tray comprises a magnet positioned inthe base.

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage devicefor medical products comprises a control system, a cabinet enclosing aplurality of storage spaces, and an optical unit in communication withthe control system. The optical unit has a field of view. The opticalunit is supported by the cabinet and capable of targeting, detecting,reading indicia that passes through field of view. The optical unittransfers data regarding the indicia read by the optical detector to thecontrol system.

In some embodiments, the control system utilizes the data regarding theindicia read by the optical detector to adjust records regarding theinventory located in the storage device.

In some embodiments, the control system utilizes the data regarding theindicia read by the optical detector to control access to one or more ofthe storage spaces.

In some embodiments, the storage device further comprises a plurality ofstorage containers, each storage container associated with one of thestorage spaces.

In some embodiments, the storage device further comprises an actuationassembly including an array of actuators, each of the actuators of thearray being associated with a respective storage container, each of theactuators being independently actuable to secure or release therespective storage container with which the respective actuator isassociated.

In some embodiments, each storage space includes an arm movable betweena first position in which the arm secures a respective storage containerand a second position in which the arm releases the respective storagecontainer.

In some embodiments, the arm includes a hook that engages the respectivestorage container when the arm secures the storage container anddisengages the respective storage container when the arm releases therespective storage container.

In some embodiments, a respective actuator of the actuation assembly isoperable to move a respective arm between the first and secondpositions.

In some embodiments, the storage device further includes a detector todetect the position of the arm.

In some embodiments, each actuator has an associated sensor fordetecting the position of an arm adjacent the respective actuator.

In some embodiments, the sensor is a proximity sensor.

In some embodiments, the sensor is an optical sensor.

In some embodiments, the sensor is positioned on the actuation assemblyand movable therewith.

In some embodiments, the arm is pivotable about a pivot axis between thefirst and second positions.

In some embodiments, each actuator comprises a solenoid actuated plungerthat engages a respective arm when the solenoid is energized to therebymove the arm between the first and second positions.

In some embodiments, the control system compares the state of thesolenoid to the signal from the detector to determine if the arm isproperly positioned.

In some embodiments, the arm is formed to include a push rod which actson the respective storage container as the arm is moved to the secondposition to cause the storage container to be moved in the storage spacesuch that a portion of the storage container extends outwardly from thestorage space.

In some embodiments, each of the arms engages a release mechanismoperable to simultaneously move the plurality of arms to the secondposition.

In some embodiments, the release mechanism is manually operable.

In some embodiments, the release mechanism includes a security device toprevent the release mechanism from being actuated.

In some embodiments, the security device is a lock that is only moveableby operation of a key.

In some embodiments, the release device further includes a mechanicalstructure that moves to an indicator position when the release devicehas been actuated.

In some embodiments, the mechanical structure does not return from theindicator position when the release device is returned to permit thearms to return to their respective first positions.

In some embodiments, the storage device includes a re-set actuator thatis operable, under the control of the control system, to move themechanical structure from the indicator position after the releasedevice has been moved to allow the arms to return to their respectivefirst positions.

In some embodiments, the release device automatically locks whenreturned to a home position.

In some embodiments, the storage device further comprises a climatecontrol system operable to monitor and control the climate in thecabinet.

In some embodiments, the storage device further comprises a positioningassembly in communication with the control system, wherein thepositioning assembly moves the actuation assembly under the control ofthe control system, such that each actuator is adjacent a respectivefirst one of the storage containers in a first position and a respectivesecond one of the storage containers in a second position.

In some embodiments, the storage device includes at least one detectorfor detecting the position of the actuation assembly, the detector fordetecting the position of the actuation assembly being supported on theactuation assembly.

In some embodiments, the detector for detecting the position of theactuation assembly determines the position of the actuation assembly bydetecting a characteristic of a fixed component adjacent the actuationassembly.

In some embodiments, the detector comprises a plurality of sensors, eachsensor providing a signal responsive to a characteristic of a respectivefixed component adjacent the actuation assembly, the control systemdetermining the position of the actuation assembly by comparing thesignals from the plurality of sensors to a known arrangement of fixedcomponents to identify the particular position of the actuationassembly.

In some embodiments, the storage device further comprises an indicatorassembly operable to provide an indication to a user of a storagelocation where the storage container has been released.

In some embodiments, the indicator assembly includes a light emittingcomponent that is operable to provide the indication.

In some embodiments, the light emitting component illuminates at least aportion of the storage container that has been released.

In some embodiments, the storage container comprises a light conductingmaterial.

In some embodiments, the light emitting component is positioned adjacentthe storage container that has been released.

In some embodiments, the control system causes the light emittingcomponent to illuminate intermittently.

In some embodiments, each storage space is defined by a an enclosurethat includes a floor and a ceiling, the storage device including stopthat extends from the floor and engages a bottom hook formed on a bottomof a storage container when the storage container is engaged with thefloor and slid along the floor from a storage position to removedposition.

In some embodiments, the stop extending from the floor of the storagespace extends vertically upwardly from the floor into the storage space.

In some embodiments, the stop is integrally formed in the floor.

In some embodiments, the stop extending from the floor of the storagespace is removable.

In some embodiments, the storage container includes a front portion, aback portion, opposing lateral sides, and a bottom, the storagecontainer positionable in a storage space such that the back portion ispositioned adjacent the arm.

In some embodiments, the hook formed in the bottom of the storagecontainer is positioned closer to the back portion than the frontportion.

In some embodiments, the bottom of the storage container is formed suchthat a portion of the storage container near the front portion and aportion of the storage container near the back portion engage the floorof the storage space while a portion of the storage container positionedbetween the front portion and the back portion is spaced apart from thefloor of the storage space.

In some embodiments, a first height of the storage container near thefront portion is greater than a second height of the storage containernear the rear portion.

In some embodiments, the height of the storage container varies suchthat a third height of the storage container at a position between thefront portion and the back portion is smaller than the second height andthe first height.

In some embodiments, the storage container is removable from the storagespace.

In some embodiments, the storage container is removable only by movingthe storage container such that a portion of the storage container isoutside of the storage space then manipulating the storage container tocause the hook of the storage container to clear the stop extending fromthe floor of the storage space and then fully removing the storagecontainer from the storage space.

In some embodiments, the storage container includes a handle formed thefront portion, the handle accessible to a user when the storagecontainer is positioned in a storage space.

In some embodiments, the storage container comprises a material thatprovides light emission. In some embodiments, the storage containercomprises texturing in the front portion to cause diffusion of light.

In some embodiments, the storage container further comprises a lid.

In some embodiments, the storage container lid engages the storage spaceto prevent removal of the storage container from the storage space.

In some embodiments, the storage container comprises a magnet and eachstorage space includes a sensor operable to detect a magnetic field, thesensor positioned to detect the magnet of the storage container when thestorage container is in a storage position in the storage space.

In some embodiments, the sensor, when detecting the presence of amagnetic field, provides a signal to the control system indicative ofthe presence of a storage container in the respective storage space.

In some embodiments, the storage device further comprises a plurality oflight emitting components operable to shine a light into the storagespace and a plurality of light detecting sensors positioned to detectlight.

In some embodiments, each storage container defines a storage trayhaving four interior walls and an interior bottom surface for supportinga product to be stored, and wherein the interior bottom surface includesa reflective material.

In some embodiments, the light emitting components and light detectingsensors cooperate such that when the light emitting component isilluminated, a respective light detecting sensor monitors for reflectedlight.

In some embodiments, the light detecting sensor does not detect lightwhen the respective light emitting component is illuminated, and thelight detecting sensor provides a signal to the control systemindicating that the respective storage container contains a product.

In some embodiments, when the light detecting sensor detects light whenthe respective light emitting component is illuminated, and the lightdetecting sensor provides a signal to the control system indicating thatthe respective storage container does not contain a product.

In some embodiments, the storage device further comprises a plurality ofproximity sensors, each proximity sensor positionable adjacent a storagespace and operable to detect that a product is stored in the respectivestorage space.

In some embodiments, the actuation assembly includes a plurality oftemperature sensors, each of the temperature sensors operable to detectthe temperature of a first respective storage space.

In some embodiments, each of the temperature sensors provides a signalindicative of the temperature in a first respective storage space to thecontrol system, the control system operable to compare the temperaturesof the first respective storage spaces to assess the operational statusof the storage device.

In some embodiments, the control system is operable to determine if atemperature gradient exists in the storage device.

In some embodiments, the control system is operable to move theactuation assembly to permit the temperature sensors to detecttemperatures in second respective storage spaces.

In some embodiments, the storage device includes an oscillating platformsupporting the plurality of storage spaces, the oscillating platformoperable to selectively oscillate the storage spaces, and, thereby,oscillate products stored in a respective storage space.

In some embodiments, the storage device includes at least one radiofrequency identification sensor operable to detect radio frequencyidentification signals emitted from product stored in the storagedevice.

In some embodiments, the storage device includes a plurality of radiofrequency identification sensors, each of the radio frequencyidentification sensors associated with a specific storage space.

In some embodiments, the radio frequency identification sensors are eachoperable to provide a signal to the control system indicative of theradio frequency identification signals detected by the particular radioidentification sensor such that the control system associates a specificproduct identification with a specific storage space.

In some embodiments, the storage device comprises multiple opticalunits.

In some embodiments, the optical units are positioned are supported suchthat their respective fields of view are in an opposing location.

In some embodiments, the optical units each comprise an independentcontroller.

In some embodiments, the controllers of the optical units change theposition of the field of view.

In some embodiments, the focal length of one or more of the opticaldetectors is changed to target a particular location.

According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a storagedevice for medical products comprises a control system, a cabinetenclosing a plurality of storage spaces, a plurality of storagecontainers, and a plurality of electromagnets. Each storage container isassociated with one of the storage spaces. Each storage containercomprises a ferrous member positioned on the storage container. Theplurality of electromagnets are each positioned in a respective storagespace and independently energizable to act on the ferrous member of arespective storage container to secure or release a respective storagecontainer.

In some embodiments, the storage device further comprises an opticalunit in communication with the control system and having a field ofview, the optical unit supported by the cabinet and capable oftargeting, detecting, reading indicia that passes through field of view,wherein the optical unit transfers data regarding the indicia read bythe optical detector to the control system.

In some embodiments, the control system utilizes the data regarding theindicia read by the optical detector to adjust records regarding theinventory located in the storage device.

In some embodiments, the control system utilizes the data regarding theindicia read by the optical detector to control access to one or more ofthe storage spaces.

In some embodiments, the storage device further comprises a climatecontrol system operable to monitor and control the climate in thecabinet.

In some embodiments, the storage device further comprises an indicatorassembly operable to provide an indication to a user of a storagelocation where the storage container has been released.

In some embodiments, the indicator assembly includes a light emittingcomponent that is operable to provide the indication.

In some embodiments, the light emitting component illuminates at least aportion of the storage container that has been released.

In some embodiments, the storage container comprises a light conductingmaterial.

In some embodiments, the light emitting component is positioned adjacentthe storage container that has been released.

In some embodiments, the control system causes the light emittingcomponent to illuminate intermittently.

In some embodiments, each storage space is defined by a an enclosurethat includes a floor and a ceiling, the storage device including stopthat extends from the floor and engages a bottom hook formed on a bottomof a storage container when the storage container is engaged with thefloor and slid along the floor from a storage position to removedposition.

In some embodiments, the stop extending from the floor of the storagespace extends vertically upwardly from the floor into the storage space.

In some embodiments, the stop is integrally formed in the floor.

In some embodiments, the stop extending from the floor of the storagespace is removable.

In some embodiments, the storage container includes a front portion, aback portion, opposing lateral sides, and a bottom, the storagecontainer positionable in a storage space such that the back portion ispositioned adjacent the arm.

In some embodiments, the hook formed in the bottom of the storagecontainer is positioned closer to the back portion than the frontportion.

In some embodiments, the bottom of the storage container is formed suchthat a portion of the storage container near the front portion and aportion of the storage container near the back portion engage the floorof the storage space while a portion of the storage container positionedbetween the front portion and the back portion is spaced apart from thefloor of the storage space.

In some embodiments, a first height of the storage container near thefront portion is greater than a second height of the storage containernear the rear portion.

In some embodiments, the height of the storage container varies suchthat a third height of the storage container at a position between thefront portion and the back portion is smaller than the second height andthe first height.

In some embodiments, the storage container is removable from the storagespace.

In some embodiments, the storage container is removable only by movingthe storage container such that a portion of the storage container isoutside of the storage space than manipulating the storage container tocause the hook of the storage container to clear the stop extending fromthe floor of the storage space and then fully removing the storagecontainer from the storage space.

In some embodiments, the storage container includes a handle formed thefront portion, the handle accessible to a user when the storagecontainer is positioned in a storage space.

In some embodiments, the storage container comprises a material thatprovides light emission.

In some embodiments, the storage container comprises texturing in thefront portion to cause diffusion of light.

In some embodiments, the storage container further comprises a lid.

In some embodiments, the storage container lid engages the storage spaceto prevent removal of the storage container from the storage space.

In some embodiments, the storage container comprises a magnet and eachstorage space includes a sensor operable to detect a magnetic field, thesensor positioned to detect the magnet of the storage container when thestorage container is in a storage position in the storage space.

In some embodiments, the sensor, when detecting the presence of amagnetic field, provides a signal to the control system indicative ofthe presence of a storage container in the respective storage space.

In some embodiments, the storage device further comprises a plurality oflight emitting components operable to shine a light into the storagespace and a plurality of light detecting sensors positioned to detectlight.

In some embodiments, each storage container defines a storage trayhaving four interior walls and an interior bottom surface for supportinga product to be stored, and wherein the interior bottom surface includesa reflective material.

In some embodiments, the light emitting components and light detectingsensors cooperate such that when the light emitting component isilluminated, a respective light detecting sensor monitors for reflectedlight.

In some embodiments, when the light detecting sensor does not detectlight when the respective light emitting component is illuminated, andthe light detecting sensor provides a signal to the control systemindicating that the respective storage container contains a product.

In some embodiments, when the light detecting sensor detects light whenthe respective light emitting component is illuminated, and the lightdetecting sensor provides a signal to the control system indicating thatthe respective storage container does not contain a product.

In some embodiments, the storage device further comprises a plurality ofproximity sensors, each proximity sensor positionable adjacent a storagespace and operable to detect that a product is stored in the respectivestorage space.

In some embodiments, the storage device includes a plurality oftemperature sensors, each of the temperature sensors operable to detectthe temperature of a first respective storage space.

In some embodiments, each of the temperature sensors provides a signalindicative of the temperature in a first respective storage space to thecontrol system, the control system operable to compare the temperaturesof the first respective storage spaces to assess the operational statusof the storage device.

In some embodiments, the control system is operable to determine if atemperature gradient exists in the storage device.

In some embodiments, the control system is operable to move thetemperature sensors to detect temperatures in second respective storagespaces.

In some embodiments, the storage device includes an oscillating platformsupporting the plurality of storage spaces, the oscillating platformoperable to selectively oscillate the storage spaces, and, thereby,oscillate products stored in a respective storage space.

In some embodiments, the storage device includes at least one radiofrequency identification sensor operable to detect radio frequencyidentification signals emitted from product stored in the storagedevice.

In some embodiments, the storage device includes a plurality of radiofrequency identification sensors, each of the radio frequencyidentification sensors associated with a specific storage space.

In some embodiments, the radio frequency identification sensors are eachoperable to provide a signal to the control system indicative of theradio frequency identification signals detected by the particular radioidentification sensor such that the control system associates a specificproduct identification with a specific storage space.

In some embodiments, the storage device includes at least one radiofrequency identification sensor operable to detect radio frequencyidentification signals emitted from product stored in the storagedevice.

In some embodiments, the storage device includes a plurality of radiofrequency identification sensors, each of the radio frequencyidentification sensors associated with a specific storage space.

In some embodiments, the storage device comprises multiple opticalunits.

In some embodiments, the optical units are positioned are supported suchthat their respective fields of view are in an opposing location.

In some embodiments, the optical units each comprise an independentcontroller.

In some embodiments, the controllers of the optical units change theposition of the field of view.

Additional features, which alone or in combination with any otherfeature(s), including those listed above and those listed in the claims,may comprise patentable subject matter and will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art upon consideration of the following detaileddescription of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode ofcarrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figuresin which:

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a medical products storage device;

FIG. 2 is a front plan view similar to the front plan view of FIG. 1,the medical products storage device of FIG. 2 having a glass in a doorof the medical products storage device being transparent such that aaccess control structure is visible therethrough;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic block diagram of the control system for themedical products storage device of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4A-4B is a flowchart depicting the process employed by a controlsystem for the medical products storage device to provide access to aspecific storage location in the medical products storage device;

FIGS. 5A-5C is a flowchart depicting the process employed by a controlsystem for the medical products storage device to provide the statusregarding a specific storage location in the medical products storagedevice;

FIG. 6 is a back plan view of the medical products storage device ofFIG. 1 with portions removed to expose a gantry system which is operableto control access to storage locations in the medical products storagedevice;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the medical products storage device withportions removed to show an actuation system used to control access tothe various storage locations of the medical products storage device ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of the side view of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view of a portion of the actuation system ofthe medical products storage device;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a storage tray to be used with the medicalproducts storage device of FIG. 1, the storage tray supporting acontainment cover and a container for a medical product positioned inthe tray;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the storage tray of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a front plan view of the storage tray of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a back plan view of the storage tray of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the storage tray of FIG. 10;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view similar to FIG. 10, FIG. 15 showing the traywithout the containment cover and container;

FIG. 16 is a side view of a portion of the medical products storagedevice of FIG. 1 with portions removed showing a storage tray similar tothe storage tray of FIG. 10 positioned in a storage space;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the storage view of a storage traytaken along lines 17-17 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a portion of the medical productsstorage device with portions removed to show a manual bypass systemwhich is actuable to cause an access control system of the medicalproducts storage device to be overridden to allow access to all of thestorage trays positioned in the medical products storage device;

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of the medical products storage device withportions removed to show the manual bypass system;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a portion of an actuation system of themedical products storage device;

FIG. 21 is a front plan view of another embodiment of a medical productsstorage device, the embodiment of FIG. 21 including an optical systemfor detecting indicia positioned on medical products that are beingmoved into or out of the medical products storage device;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the medical products storage deviceof FIG. 21 taken along lines 22-22 in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the medical products storage deviceof FIG. 21 taken along lines 23-23 in FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic representation of another embodiment ofmedical products storage device similar to the medical products storagedevice of FIG. 21, the device of FIG. 24 having multiple optical unitswith different focal lengths;

FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic representation of yet another embodiment ofmedical products storage device similar to the medical products storagedevice of FIG. 21, the device of FIG. 25 having multiple optical unitswith different focal lengths;

FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic representation of a tray that includes aferrous component that is selectively engaged by an electro-magnet thatis under the control of a control system;

FIG. 27 is a side view of another embodiment of medical products storagedevice with portions removed, the medical products storage deviceincluding an oscillating platform shown in phantom, the platformsupporting a structure defining a number of storage spaces and an accesscontrol system;

FIG. 28 is a back view of yet another embodiment of medical productsstorage device with portions removed, the medical products storagedevice having a number of discrete circuit assemblies that arepositioned to control access to storage containers positioned in storagespaces of the medical products storage device;

FIG. 29 is a block diagram of the control system of the medical productsstorage device of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a front perspective view of one of the circuit assemblies ofthe medical products storage device of FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is a rear perspective view of the circuit assembly of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a storage trayfor use with the medical products storage devices of the presentdisclosure, the storage tray supporting a medical product container anda lid;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the tray and lid of FIG. 32positioned in a storage space of the medical products storage device ofFIG. 28;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the tray and lid of FIG. 33, thetray being slid out to provide access to the tray;

FIG. 35 is a side view of the tray of FIG. 32 with an arm engaged withthe tray to secure the tray in the storage space;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a tray embodiment that is similar tothe embodiment of FIGS. 32-34, the embodiment of FIG. 36 furtherincluding a reflective covering positioned in the bottom of the tray;

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the tray of FIG. 36 positioned in astorage space of a medical products storage device, the device includingan optical emitter and an optical detector operable to detect lightemitted from the emitter and reflected by the reflective covering; and

FIG. 38 is a is a cross-sectional view of the tray of FIG. 32 positionedin a storage space of a medical products storage device, the deviceincluding a near field proximity switch positioned to detect thepresence of a medical product or medical product storage containerpositioned in the tray.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A climate-controlled medical products storage device 10, illustrativelyembodied as a refrigerator is shown in FIG. 1. The refrigerator 10includes a cabinet 12 having a cabinet body 14 forming an enclosure 16(seen in FIG. 2) and a door 18 which is movable between an open position(not shown) and a closed position as shown in FIG. 1 in which the door18 encloses the enclosure 16. Referring now to FIG. 2, the refrigerator10 includes a rack 20 which forms a number of compartments 22, eachcompartment 22 being a storage space configured to receive and support astorage container embodied as a storage tray 24. As will be described infurther detail below, the storage trays 24 are configured to be retainedwithin the storage spaces 22 and inaccessible to a user under normaloperating conditions.

Referring now to FIG. 6, control of access to the contents of thestorage trays 24 is facilitated by an actuation system 26 which issupported for vertical movement on a gantry 28 such that the actuationsystem 26 may be moved vertically along a rail 30 of the gantry 28 to anumber of vertical positions wherein the actuation system 26 ispositioned to control access to different storage trays 24 positioned inthe storage spaces 22.

Referring again to now to FIG. 1, the cabinet 12 further includes acontroller box 70 supported on the cabinet body 14. The controller box70 encloses a portion of a control system 72 in an ambient ornon-refrigerated environment. Additional components of the controlsystem 72 are enclosed in the cabinet body 14 and are subject to theenvironment of the enclosure 16 as illustrated diagrammatically in FIG.3.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the enclosure 16 is shown in phantom andincludes a climate control device illustratively embodied as arefrigeration system 74 that is operable to control the environmentwithin the enclosure 16. In the illustrative embodiment, therefrigeration system 74 is under the control of a climate controllerwhich is illustratively embodied as a master controller 76 which ispositioned in the controller box 70. The operation of the mastercontroller 76 and refrigeration system 74 are similar to that disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 7,617,690, titled “BLOOD PRODUCTS FREEZER WITH EVENTLOG,” issued Nov. 17, 2009, which is hereby incorporated herein byreference in its entirety for its disclosure relative to the control ofenvironmental conditions in a medical products storage device. Therefrigeration system 74 includes for example temperature sensors,heating elements for defrosting portions of the system, and evaporatoralong with circulating fans for controlling the environment within theenclosure 16. In some embodiments, the climate control device 74 may beomitted. In other embodiments, the climate control device 74 may heatthe enclosure 16.

The master controller 76 is electrically connected to the refrigerationsystem 74 and is operable to receive temperature signals from thesensors and utilizes a fully functional processor based control schemeto control climate parameters in the enclosure 16 to maintain theenclosure 16 climate within acceptable parameters. In the illustrativeembodiment, the refrigerator 10 is used to store pharmaceuticals, bloodproducts, tissue components or the like. Operation of the refrigerator10 permits the storage climate to be maintained appropriately for thestorage of pharmaceuticals, blood products, tissue components and otherperishable medical supplies. In some embodiments, the storage device mayheat the storage space. In other embodiments, the storage device may bea freezer, for example an ultra-low temperature freezer for storingcertain biological materials. In some embodiments, the refrigerationsystem 74 may also control humidity levels within the enclosure 16. Insome embodiments, the refrigeration system may do precise temperatureprofiling or cycling. In still other embodiments, the refrigerationsystem 74 may be omitted such that enclosure 16 is not be climatecontrolled and the conditions within the enclosure may be permitted tofluctuate with changes in the ambient climate surrounding the cabinetbody 14.

In another embodiment of medical products storage device 510′ shown inFIG. 27, the rack 20 and the actuation system 26 are supported on anoscillating platform 32, shown in phantom in FIG. 27. The oscillatingplatform 32 oscillates, under the control of the master controller 76relative to the cabinet body 14 to impart motion to products stored inthe storage spaces 22. This approach may be used, for example, as anincubator for blood platelets or for any other product which must beoscillated to maintain quality. A complete disclosure of a suitable andcontrol scheme for controlling the oscillation is disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 7,638,100 titled “PLATELET INCUBATOR,” issued Dec. 29, 2009, whichis hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for itsdisclosure relative to oscillation of medical products.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the master controller 76 is the master forthe entire refrigerator 10, and functionally controls the refrigerationsystem 74 and bidirectinally communicates with a positioning controller78. In the illustrative embodiment, the structure that supports thepositioning controller 78 also supports communications between variouscomponents of the control system 72. The master controller 76 isoperable to control various aspects of the refrigerator 10 to interactwith the user and control access to the storage trays 24 in the variousstorage spaces 22. The positioning controller 78 operates a door lock 80that is operable to electrically lock the door 18 in the closed positionuntil access to the enclosure 16 is authorized by the master controller76 in some embodiments or an external product management kiosk 100 inother embodiments. In some embodiments, the refrigerator 10 includes aseparate door lock controller 81 that controls the locking of the door18 under the control of the positioning controller 78.

The positioning controller 78 is also electrically connected to and incommunication with various components of the gantry 28 to operate thegantry 28 and control access to the storage trays 24 through theactuation system 26 and arm 54. The gantry 28 includes a positioningmotor 82 that is operable to move the actuation system 26 along the rail30 (see FIG. 6) of the gantry 28 to various positions. The positioningmotor 82 in the illustrative embodiment includes an optional encoder 85to identify the location of the actuation system 26. The gantry 28 alsoincludes a brake 84 which is used by the positioning controller 78 inconjunction with the positioning motor 82 to hold the position of theactuation system 26. The gantry 28 also includes end of travel limitsensors 86 positioned at the top and bottom of the rail 30 to indicatethat the actuation system 26 has reached its respective end of travellimits. In some embodiments, the encoder is omitted from the positioningmotor 82 and the position of the actuation system 26 is determined bysensing other components. For example, the actuation system 26 includesa circuit assembly 88 which is in communication with the positioningcontroller 78 and under the control of the positioning controller 78 isoperable to permit access to selected storage trays 24 and to confirmthe position of the actuation system 26 using optical sensors as will bedescribed in further detail below. The positioning controller 78 is alsoin communication with an indication system 90 of the circuit assembly 88that is operable to provide an illuminated indication of the location ofa specific inventory item positioned in one of the storage trays 24 aswill be described in further detail below. In some embodiments, theindication system 90 and the operation thereof may be omitted.

A separate lockable and manually operable, bypass system 92 is operableto release all of the storage trays 24 simultaneously in the event of anemergency or an electrical failure. The positioning controller 78 is incommunication with a bypass event indicator 94 that communicates that abypass event has been initiated to the positioning controller 78. Thebypass event indicator 94 is configured such that the bypass eventtriggers an indicator. When the bypass system 92 is returned to a normalposition, the indicator is not mechanically reset, but is maintained inthe by-pass indication state. Thus, when power is restored, the bypassevent indicator 94 communicates the bypass event and is maintained inthe bypass event indication state until reset by the positioningcontroller 78. The positioning controller 78 is operable to reset thebypass event by actuating a bypass reset solenoid 96 as will bedescribed in further detail below.

In general, power for the control system 72 is provided by a powersupply 98 which receives mains power and provides a 24 V DC power supplyto the control system 72 components. Some portions of the refrigerationsystem 74 are powered directly by mains power with other componentsreceiving power from power supply 98 or another DC power supply withinthe refrigeration system 74.

The master controller 76 controls access to the enclosure 16 and storagetrays 24 after determining that a particular storage location isaccessible by a user. Various schemes for allowing access to the storagetrays 24 or the enclosure 16 are described in detail in U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 20110202170, titled “ACCESS AND INVENTORYCONTROL FOR CLIMATE CONTROLLED STORAGE,” published Aug. 18, 2011 andU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20130086933, titled “CONTROLLERFOR A MEDICAL PRODUCTS STORAGE SYSTEM,” published Apr. 11, 2013, each ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for theaspects of access control disclosed therein which may be applied to theillustrative medical products storage device 10.

While the master controller 76 may operate autonomously as an interfacefor access control, in one embodiment the external product managementkiosk 100 independently provides signals to positioning controller 78indicating which storage trays 24 are to be accessed. Thus, in theillustrative embodiment, the kiosk 100 interfaces with the mastercontroller 76 which then interfaces with the circuit assembly 88 andindication system 90. In other embodiments, the kiosk 100 interfacesdirectly with the circuit assembly 88 and indication system 90 and themaster controller 76 independently operates the refrigeration system. Instill other embodiments, the kiosk 100 is omitted and the mastercontroller 76 includes all of the system control and access controlfunctionality of the kiosk 100. It should be understood that theexternal product management kiosk 100 may be linked to the mastercontroller 76 through a wired link 77 utilizing a known communicationsinterface such as Ethernet, USB, RS-232, as examples. The externalproduct management kiosk 100 may also communicate to the mastercontroller 76 through a wireless link wherein a wireless module 79provides the wireless communications interface with either the mastercontroller 76, or, if the master controller 76 is omitted, thepositioning controller 78.

A control algorithm 200 for operating the access control aspects of themedical products storage device 10 is shown in FIG. 4. The controlalgorithm 200 initiates a step 202 where the master controller 76 eitherindependently or based on a signal from the external product managementkiosk 100 determines that an authorized user has requested that aparticular storage tray 24 be accessed. The algorithm 200 proceeds toprocess step 204 where a command is sent to the positioning controller78 to allow access to a specific tray location. The algorithm 200 thenproceeds to decision step 206 where the positioning controller 78monitors for an open command from the master controller 76 (or kiosk100, in some embodiments). If no open command has been received, thepositioning controller 78 continues to loop waiting for an open commandas indicated by arrow 208. If however, an open command has beenreceived, the algorithm 200 proceeds to decision step 210 wherein thepositioning controller 78 evaluates whether the specific location of theactuation system 26 is known.

Referring to FIG. 9, the actuation system 26 includes optical sensors102 that are part of the circuit assembly 88. Referring now to FIG. 8,the optical sensors 102 are positioned to engage one of four positionrails 104 which are formed to include a number of evenly spaced notches106. When the optical sensors 102 are aligned with the notches 106, theoptical switches provide a null signal to the positioning controller 78.When the positioning controller 78 has identified with certainty thelocation of the actuation system 26, movement of the actuation system 26by the gantry 28 is monitored by the positioning controller 78 whichcounts the number of notches 106 passed by the actuation system 26 todetermine the location of the actuation system 26. Multiple opticalsensors 102 are used to confirm that the actuation system 26 is properlyaligned across the width of the refrigerator 10 and to provideredundancy in the event one or more optical sensors 102 fail. In otherembodiments, the notches 106 may be intermittently positioned across thefour position rails 104 such that each vertical position of theactuation system 26 provides a distinct arrangement of signals from theoptical sensors 102 to define the vertical position of the actuationsystem 26.

If it is determined at step 210 of algorithm 200 that the positioningcontroller does not know the specific location of the actuation system26 (e.g., after a power outage), the algorithm 200 proceeds to processstep 212 where the positioning controller 78 actuates the positioningmotor 82 to lower the actuation system 26 until the lower linear tracklimit sensor 86 is engaged. Once the lower linear track limit sensor isengaged, the positioning controller 78 knows the position of theactuation system 26. If the position of the actuation system 26 is knownin step 210 or confirmed during step 212, the algorithm 200 proceeds toprocess step 214 where the positioning controller 78 actuatespositioning motor 82 while the optical sensors 102 count the notches 106to properly position the actuation system 26. It should be understoodthat process step 212 is unnecessary in embodiments where thepositioning motor 82 includes an encoder.

Once the proper position is achieved, the algorithm 200 advances toprocess step 216 where one or more indicators 91 (shown in FIG. 9) areilluminated to provide a visual indication to a user of the tray(s) 24which are to be accessed by the user.

Once the tray(s) 24 is/are illuminated, the algorithm 200 proceeds tostep 218 wherein the positioning controller 78 drives the door lock 80unlocking the door and initiates a timer to countdown a preset timewhile monitoring a door sensor 83 that provides a signal that the door18 has been opened. While the timer counts down the preset time the doorstatus is monitored at decision step 220. A decision loop is maintainedat decision step 220 and decision step 222 such that if the door has notbeen opened at step 220 the algorithm proceeds to step 222 to determineif the timer has timed out. If the timer has not timed out, thealgorithm loops back to the decision step 220 as indicated by arrow 224.If the door is opened before the timeout period, the algorithm 200proceeds to process step 226 which will be discussed in further detailbelow. If the timer does timeout as determined that decision step 222,the algorithm 200 proceeds to process step 228 and the positioningcontroller 78 locks the door 18, turns off the indicators 91, andreturns the actuation system 26 to a default waiting position. Thealgorithm 200 then proceeds to process step 230 where the positioningcontroller 78 communicates with the master controller 76 (or kiosk 100)to inform the master controller 76 (or kiosk 100) that the open commandwas not acted upon by a user. The algorithm 200 then returns to processstep 202 and monitors for a new open command from the external productmanagement kiosk 100 or the master controller 76.

In some embodiments, all of the indicators 91 are initially illuminatedand select indicators 91 are turned off sequentially until only theindicators 91 that are directly associated with the particular locationare illuminated. In this way, the user's attention can be drawn to theparticular location. In the illustrative embodiment, the indicators 91are turned off after a user closes the door 18 as detected by the doorsensor 83. This is indicative that the user has removed the particularstorage tray 24. As will be discussed below with regard to anotherembodiment of refrigerator 510 and storage tray 524, a storage tray,such as storage tray 24 or storage tray 524 may be independentlymonitored such that removal of the storage trays 24 or 524 is detectedby the master controller 76.

If the algorithm 200 proceeds from decision step 220 to process step226, the positioning controller 78 instructs the actuation system toactuate a solenoid 50 a-50 h associated with the specific position ofthe storage tray 24 to be accessed and the specific optical indicator 91associated with that position is illuminated with all other indicatorsbeing turned off. A countdown timer is also initiated at process step226, the countdown timer waiting to determine if the door 18 has beenclosed as detected by the door sensor 83.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-9, the actuation system 26 includes thesolenoids 50 a-h that include a plunger 52 operable to extend to causean arm 54 to be pivoted about an axis 56 to cause the arm 54 to releaseor disengage from a storage tray 24. It should be understood that thereis a separate arm 54 associated with each storage space 22 such thatwhen storage trays 24 are positioned in respective storage spaces 22, ahook 34 of the respective arm 54 engages the storage tray 24 to retainthe storage tray 24 in the storage space 22.

The algorithm 200 receives to a decision step 232 where the timer ismonitored. If the timer is determined not to have timed out at decisionstep 232, the algorithm 200 proceeds to decision step 234 and checks tosee if the door 18 has been closed. If the door 18 has not been closed,the algorithm 200 loops back to decision step 232 as indicated by arrow236. If it is determined at decision step 234 that the door has beenclosed, the algorithm 200 proceeds to process step 238 where thepositioning controller 78 signals the circuit assembly 88 that thesequence is complete. If it is determined that the timer timed out atdecision step 232 or process step 238 is complete, the algorithm 200proceeds to process step 240 where the circuit assembly 88 actuates thesolenoid 50 and any optical indicators 91.

The position of any given arm 54 is determined by an array 60 of opticalsensors 62, 64, shown in FIG. 9. Evaluation of the signals of theoptical sensors 62, 64 in a particular array 60 provides an indicationof the position of the arm 54 by sensing a flange 66 of the arm 54. Forexample, in the arrangement shown in FIG. 6, an upper arm 54 is beingacted upon by the plunger 52 of the solenoid 50 such that the arm 54 isdisengaged from the back wall 58 (seen in FIG. 17) of the storage tray24. The flange 66 of the arm 54 breaks the light beam of the opticalsensor 62, but does not affect the optical sensor 64. The optical sensor62 thereby provides a negative or null signal to the positioningcontroller 78 indicating that the light beam is broken while the opticalsensor 64 provides a positive signal to the positioning controller 78.This combination of signals indicates that the arm 54 is in the releasedposition. In such a case, the indication is that the correspondingstorage tray 24 is either not present or not seated in a position toengage the arm 54. In contrast, the lower arm 54 has not been acted uponby the plunger 52 of the solenoid 50 so that the flange 66 breaks thebeam of both optical sensors 62 and 64. Because both sensors 62 and 64will provide a positive signal to the positioning controller 78, thepositioning controller 78 will discern that the 54 is in the lowered,latched position where the storage tray 24 is secured from removal fromthe storage space 22.

The circuit assembly 88 is further operable to compare the signal fromthe optical sensors 62, 64 to the expected condition to determine if anunexpected condition exists. For example, solenoids 50 are normally in aretracted condition such as that shown associated with the lower arm 54in FIG. 9B. Once a solenoid is energized such as the solenoid 50associated with the upper released arm 54 in FIG. 9B, the condition ofthe sensors 62, 64 in array 60 is expected to correspond to a nullsignal from sensor 62 and a positive signal from sensor 64. As such, bycomparing the energization of a solenoid 50 and the composite signalfrom a sensor array 60 associated with the solenoid 50, the positioningcontroller 78 determines if the arm 54 is in an unexpected position. Ifan unexpected position is encountered, the positioning controller 78 canrespond to the unexpected condition in a number of ways as will bediscussed in further detail below. The algorithm 200 then proceeds toprocess step 242. Further, an optical reader (not shown) checks todetermine if the medical product in the specific storage tray 24 thatwas to be accessed is present or absent as will be described in furtherdetail below. The status of the storage tray 24 including the presenceor absence of a medical product in the storage tray 24 is communicatedfrom the circuit assembly 88 to the positioning controller 78. Thealgorithm 200 then proceeds to process step 244 and the positioningcontroller 78 communicates with the master controller 76 and/or theexternal product management kiosk 100 either directly or through themaster controller 76 to indicate that the sequence has been completedand to provide the status of the storage tray 24 that was to be accessedindicating whether or not the medical product has been removed orremains. The algorithm 200 then returns to the initial step 202 awaitinginput to the master controller 76 or external product management kiosk100.

In some instances a user may desire to know the status of variousstorage spaces 22 to confirm whether a storage tray 24 is located ineach of the storage spaces 22 and whether a medical product is stored inthe particular storage tray 24. For example, a storage tray 24 shown inFIG. 10 is supporting a medical products container 108 which is retainedin the tray 24 by a lid 110. It should be understood that the medicalproducts container 108 may include tubing or other appendages that arealso retained by the lid 110. Each storage space 22 is configured toreceive a storage tray 24 with or without the lid 110 or medicalproducts container 108. In certain instances, the master controller 76or the external product management kiosk 100 may have an establishedrecord of which storage spaces 22 include a storage tray 24 and in whichof the storage trays 24 are included a previously identified andassociated medical products container 108.

An algorithm 300 shown in FIGS. 5A-5B operates to confirm, whenrequested, the status of one or more storage spaces 22 by sensing theabsence or presence of a storage tray 24 and a medical productscontainer 108. The algorithm 300 is also operable to respond to aspecific request from a user to confirm that a storage tray 24 ispresent in a specific storage space 22 and that the tray 24 supports amedical products container 108. The algorithm 300 initiates at processstep 302 where either the master controller 76 or the external productmanagement kiosk 100 receives an authorized request for the status of aparticular storage space 22. The process step 302 is an optional stepand the algorithm 300 proceeds from process step 302 to process step 304where the master controller 76 or kiosk 100 commands the positioningcontroller 78 to determine the status of a particular storage space 22.Process step 302 is optional in that the master controller 76 or kiosk100 may initiate process step 304 as a part of a regular routine toconfirm the status of various storage spaces 22. This may happen, forexample, when a bypass event indicator 94 communicates a bypass event tothe master controller 76 or kiosk 100.

From process step 304, algorithm 300 proceeds to decision step 306 whichis conducted by the positioning controller 78 whereby the positioningcontroller 78 waits for a command from the master controller 76 or kiosk100. If the status command is received at step 306 by the positioningcontroller 78, the algorithm 300 proceeds to decision step 308. If nostatus command is received from the master controller 76 or kiosk 100 bythe positioning controller 78 at decision step 306, the positioningcontroller 78 continues to loop waiting for a status command asindicated by arrow 310.

At decision step 308 the positioning controller 78 determines whetherthe current position of the actuation system 26 is known. If thelocation of the actuation system 26 is not known, algorithm 300 proceedsto process step 312 where the positioning controller 78 causes thepositioning motor 82 to move the actuation system 26 until the lowerlinear track limit sensor 86 is activated indicating that the positionof the actuation system 26 is known. Once the position is defined atstep 312 or already known at 308, the algorithm 300 proceeds to processstep 314 where the positioning controller 78 utilizes the opticalsensors 102 to count the notches 106 as described above until theactuation system 26 is properly positioned. While the positioning motor82 moves the actuation system 26 the upper linear track limit sensor 86is monitored at decision step 316 to determine if it is activated. Sucha situation may occur if the system power gets cycled or if thepositioning controller 78 made an incorrect determination of theposition of the circuit assembly 88 at decision step 308. If such asituation arises, the algorithm 300 proceeds to process step 312 wherethe position of the actuation system 26 is reset.

If the upper position sensor is not triggered at decision step 316 thealgorithm 300 proceeds to process step 318 where the positioningcontroller 78 request a status for all eight compartments that theactuation system 26 is aligned with. The algorithm 300 then proceeds toprocess step 320 where the optical sensors 62, 64 for each of the arms54 are read to determine the status, i.e., whether or not the arms 54are in a secured or released position. In addition, the opticaldetectors positioned in the storage spaces 22 read to determine whethera storage tray 24 is positioned in the storage space 22, and whether amedical products container 108 is positioned in the storage tray 24.This information is communicated from the circuit assembly 88 to thepositioning controller 78. The algorithm then proceeds to decision step322 where the positioning controller 78 evaluate whether additionalstorage space 22 information has been requested. If additional storagespace 22 information has been requested, the algorithm 300 returns tostep 314 where the actuation system 26 is moved to a new location andsteps 314-322 are repeated.

In some embodiments, the ability of the system to detect the presence ofa storage tray 24 and/or a medical products container 108 is used todetermine the placement of a particular medical products container 108.For example, if a user scans or otherwise identifies a particularmedical products container 108′ to the master controller 76 or kiosk100, the user may be prompted to place the medical products container108′ into any empty storage location. Once the medical productscontainer 108′ is placed in a storage location and the door 18 isclosed, the system may then scan all of the locations to determine if astorage tray 24 has been newly placed into one of the locations. Thepresence of a new storage tray 24 being detected indicates to the systemthat the medical products container 108′ has been positioned at thecorresponding storage location and that information is logged by eitherthe master controller 76 or the kiosk 100.

In other embodiments, the presence of a medical products container 108may be determined by a proximity sensor positioned on a circuit assembly88 of the actuation system 26 is operable to detect the presence of themedical products container 108. For example, the proximity sensor may beconfigured to sense properties of the materials stored in the medicalproducts container 108. Another embodiment utilizing a similar approachis disclosed and explained below with regard to the embodiment of FIG.38.

In still other embodiments, an optical emitter 38 is positioned in thestorage space 22 on the ceiling 40 as shown in FIG. 32. A reflectivematerial 42 is positioned in the storage tray 24 as shown in FIG. 31. Anoptical detector 44 is operable to detect the particular wavelength oflight emitted by the emitter 38. The detector 44 is positioned toreceive emissions reflected from the reflective material 42. When amedical product or a medical products container 108 is positioned in thetray 24, as shown in FIG. 33, the emission from the emitter 38 is notreflected to the detector 44. The positioning controller 78 is operableto cause the optical emitter 38 to occasionally emit a signal. Bymonitoring for the reflected emission at the detector 44, thepositioning controller 78 can discern whether something is positioned inthe tray 24. This allows the positioning controller 78 to confirm theinventory status in each discrete storage space 22.

If no additional positions are determined to be needed at step 322, thealgorithm 300 proceeds to process step 324 where the positioningcontroller 78 transfers the compartment status to the master controller76 with the master controller 76 sharing that information with theexternal product management kiosk 100, if necessary.

The algorithm 300 then proceeds to process step 326 and the positioningcontroller 78 moves to a default waiting position. In addition, thealgorithm 300, at step 328, understands if status was requested andperformed due to bypass event indicator 94. If the status request is dueto the bypass event indicator 94 the algorithm 300 proceeds to processstep 330 shown in FIG. 5A. A bypass event described in detail belowoccurs when a user initiates a mechanical override of the arms 54 toallow access to multiple compartments simultaneously withoutintervention by the positioning controller 78. Such an event may occur,for example, if power is lost causing the refrigerator 10 to beelectrically inoperable. Alternatively, a user may wish to override theactuation system 26 to allow immediate access to all of the storagespaces 22 in an emergency situation. For example, if the products needto be removed quickly in the event of a fire, or if refrigerator 10 isused to store medical products that may be required to respond to adisaster situation.

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, a mechanical bypass of the actuationsystem 26 can be initiated by a user by unlocking a key or tumbler lock116 and activating a bypass handle 112. The bypass handle 112 actuates asliding plate 114 (best seen in FIG. 8) which engages all of the arms 54to pivot the arms 54 about each of the respective axes 56 to disengagethe storage trays 24. Because the sliding plate 114 engages all of thearms 54 simultaneously, the actuation system 26 is not needed to unlockall of the arms 54. Rotation of bypass handle 112 in the direction ofarrow 400 causes movement of a cam rod 402 downwardly, forcing aactuator 404 to move downwardly, resulting in legs 406 and 408 of theactuator to pivot about respective pivots 432 and 434. Pivoting of thelegs 406 and 408 induces upward forces 414 and 416 on the sliding plate114 to move the sliding plate 114 to allow the arms 54 to disengage thestorage trays 24.

Movement of the actuator 404 acts on an arm 436 that acts on the bypassevent indicator 94 to cause the position of the bypass event indicator94 change to bypass event status. Bypass event indicator 94 is a limitswitch that is activated by the arm 436. Arm 436 as a lost motioncomponent that allows the actuator 404 to return to the normal positionwithout acting on the arm 436. The bypass reset solenoid 96 must beactivated to cause the arm 436 to return to a normal status positionengaging the actuator 404. This removes the bypass event indication fromthe indicator 94. Thus, even if the bypass handle 112 and sliding plate114 are returned to a normal position, the bypass event indicator 94continues to indicate that a bypass event has occurred. In this way, thebypass event can be detected even if the system was unpowered when theevent occurred.

At process step 330, algorithm 300 performs a reset of a bypass event byactuating the bypass reset solenoid 96 which moves the arm 436, and ifnecessary, the bypass handle 112 and the sliding plate 114 to a normal,non-bypass, position. The algorithm 300 then proceeds to process step332 where the positioning controller 78 communicates that the bypassreset has been conducted to the master controller 76 which then passesthe information to the external product management kiosk 100, if it ispresent. When the bypass handle 112 is returned to the normal position,the lock 116 re-engages so that a bypass cannot be initiated withoutunlocking the lock 116.

As part of the algorithm 300, the positioning controller 78 continuouslymonitors the bypass event indicator 94 to determine if a bypass eventhas occurred. This analysis is performed by the algorithm 300 atdecision step 334. If no bypass event is detected by the positioningcontroller 78, the algorithm 300 returns to decision step 306 andmonitors for a status command from the master controller 76. If a bypassevent occurs, the algorithm 300 proceeds from decision step 334 toprocess step 336 where the positioning controller 78 communicates that abypass event has occurred to the master controller 76. The mastercontroller 76 will share the bypass event occurrence with the externalproduct management kiosk 100, if it is present.

Turning now again to the structure of the storage tray 24 and theinteraction of the storage tray 24 with the storage spaces 22, variousviews of the storage tray 24 shown in FIGS. 10-17. The storage tray 24includes materials which tend to illuminate, or conduct light, whenlight is directed to the material. The light is then emitted from thetray 24. In the illustrative embodiment, the storage tray 24 is amonolithic structure comprising polycarbonate which has been foundsuitable for causing the tray to appear to light up when LEDs inproximity to the storage tray 24 are illuminated. In this way, thecircuit assembly 88 is operable to illuminate a particular storage tray24 when access to the contents of the particular tray is requested by auser. In some embodiments, the tray 24 may include a textured surface 36that tends to provide additional diffusion of the light being applied tothe tray 24 to provide additional indicia to a user of which tray 24 isto be accessed.

The storage tray 24 is configured to be optionally used to carry themedical products container 108 from the refrigerator 10 to a uselocation so that a user does not have to handle the medical productscontainer 108 in transit. The storage tray 24 is configured to interactwith the storage space 22 such that a storage tray 24 will notunexpectedly fall out of a storage space 22 as it is being removed by auser. A front portion 120 of the storage tray 24 includes a flange 122which has a surface on which a label may be positioned. The frontportion 120 is formed to include a space 124 in which a user's fingersare positioned to grip the storage tray 24 so that the front portion 120may be used as a handle to slide the storage tray 24 out of the storagespace 22. The storage tray 24 has lateral sides 126 and 128 to formwalls to contain a medical products container 108 or other materials orcontainers. A front wall 130 engages the front portion 120 with thefront portion 120 extending therefrom. A back wall 132 cooperates withthe sides 126 and 128 as well as the front wall 130 defines a storageenclosure 133. Storage enclosure 133 is configured to contain product inthe storage space in case the medical products container 108 is damaged,causing product, such as blood, to leak out and into the storageenclosure 133. Each side 126 and 128 is formed to include a respectiveupper portion 134, 136 which include inner surfaces 138 and 140,respectively. Each side 126, 128 also include a lower portion 142 and144 respectively. The lower portions 142 and 144 each define an outersurface 146 and 148 respectively. In use, multiple storage trays 24 maybe stacked upon each other with the outer surfaces 146 and 148 of thelower portions 142 and 144 engaging with the inner surfaces 138 and 140of the upper portions 134 and 136 so that a first storage tray 24positioned on top of a second storage tray 24 is precluded from lateralmovement relative to the first storage tray 24.

In addition, the right side 126 is formed to include two protrusions 150and 152 that engage ends 156 and 154, respectively, of lower portion 142of the right side 126 with a first storage tray 24 stacked upon a secondstorage tray 24. Similarly the left side 128 includes two protrusions158 and 160 that engage ends 164 and 162, respectively, of lower portion144 of right side 128 of storage tray 24 went two trays are stacked.Thus, when the storage trays 24 are not positioned in a compartment,they are configured to stack to interengage so that multiple storagetrays 24 can be stacked upon one another for transport and be restrictedfrom relative movement.

The storage tray 24 is further configured to include a back portion 170adjacent the back wall 132. The back portion 170 is formed to include aflange 172 that is spaced apart from the back wall 132 so that to spaces174 and 176 are formed between the back wall 132 and flange 172. A usercan insert their hand into either or both of the spaces 174 and 176gripping the flange 172 while simultaneously gripping the flange 122 tocarry a storage tray 24. In addition, back portion 170 has a retainer178 formed therein, the retainer 178 configured to be secured by an arm54 when the storage tray 24 is engaged by a hook 180 of the arm 54 assuggested in FIG. 8A. The arm 54 includes a nose 182 that includes a camsurface 184 which engages the retainer 178 as the storage tray 24 isinserted into a storage space 22. Pressure against the arm 54 byinteraction between the retainer 178 and a cam surface 184 inducesrotation of the arm 54 about axis 56 until the cam surface 184 iscleared by the retainer 178 and the hook 180 engages the wall 58 of theretainer 178. Once the hook 180 engages the retainer 178, the storagetray 24 is retained in the storage space 22 until released by either theactuation system 26 or the bypass handle 112.

Referring now to FIGS. 16-17, a stop 186 is positioned on a shelf 188 ineach storage space 22. Each stop 186 is formed to include a catch 190positioned to engage a surface 192 formed on a hook 194 that extendsfrom the bottom wall 196 of the storage tray 24 near the back wall 132.As the storage tray 24 is slid out of the storage space 22, the catch190 engages the surface 192 to prevent the tray 24 from sliding directlyout of the storage space 22. The lower portions 142 and 144 ofrespective sides 126 and 128 are each formed to include an arcuate loweredge 260 which requires that the front and back of a storage tray 24 beraised in parallel below the level of the shelf 188 causing the back ofthe storage tray 24 to be raised up so that the hook 194 clears the stop186 to allow the tray to be removed from the storage space 22. Thespacing between shelves 188 above and below a particular storage space22 is configured to allow the tray to be slipped over the stop 186 whenbeing removed with a deliberate effort of the user.

While the disclosed system is configured to help reduce errors instorage and allocation of medical products, there is the potential,under certain circumstances, for errors to arise. For example, considera potential error condition caused as a user is performing a check-inrequest for a medical product container such as a blood bag, forexample. The user, having multiple bags and may choose one to be checkedin, and upon performing a check in scan at a kiosk they put the bag downand inadvertently pick up an incorrect bag and put it into the binlocation intended for the first bag. If multiple bags are being stored,it may not be until others are loaded that the original bag is picked upfor check-in; at that time the system would alert the user the bag hadalready been checked and the user would have to back-track to determinewhere the error occurred.

In another example, consider a potential error condition caused during ashort power outage and user bypass event. A user having invoked a bypassand in the process of removing bags or trays containing bags may besusceptible to errors when the power is returned quickly. When power isrestored and the user puts the bags or trays (with product) back intothe unit, there is potential to inadvertently mix some up. It isexpected the control system will read an event occurred and request eachbin position be verified, but if this is not done then incorrect productrelease could occur.

In still another example, an error condition may be caused as a user isperforming a check-in request for a blood bag. For example, a binlocation in which (a) a tray latch has previously been damaged allowinga tray to be opened at any time or (b) the user pulls a ‘locked’ traywith sufficient force to break the latch or tray latch point. Uponperforming a check in scan at a kiosk the user inadvertently opens thetray at the damaged location or breaks a locking location andsubsequently places the blood bag in a location other than the specifiedlocation.

In yet another example, a potential error condition may be caused as auser is performing a check-out request of a previously loaded blood bag.Upon the door being opened and the bin unlocked such that the blood bagcan be removed, a user may pull the bag but put another in its placethat had not been properly logged. This unit of blood would be ‘lost’until accidentally found at a later time when the bin is re-openedduring a check-in request.

The disclosed medical products storage device 10 and related systemcomponents uses various checks and re-checks during check-in thatincludes kiosk barcode scanning, controlled unit door access, controlledtray illumination and unlocking to help ensure the blood product isloaded into the correct bin position. Upon check-out when a productrequest is made through the kiosk, it results in a controlled unit dooraccess; controlled tray illumination and unlocking helping ensure theuser pulls open the intended bin position. The removed product is thentransported over to the kiosk for follow-up barcode scanning to ensurethe correct bag has been removed.

Referring now to FIGS. 21-25, another embodiment of medical productsstorage device 410 is similar to the medical products storage device 10and like components will utilize the same reference numerals. Themedical products storage device 410 includes optical units 412 which maybe a singular or multiple camera/video units within a door 418 of thedevice 410. The optical units 412 communicate with the master controller76 or kiosk 100 and are capable of targeting, detecting and readingdescriptive text and/or 1D or 2D barcodes or other indicia within shorttime. During a check-in, the system of optical units 412 capture animage of a product label as the product is placed into a storage tray 24and moves through the field of view 420 of an optical unit 412 toprovide quick verification back to the master controller 76 or kiosk 100that the correct product (or potentially an incorrect product) has beenplaced into the storage tray 24 at particular position. Following thesame concept, during a check-out the optical units 412 detect the labelas the storage tray 24 is removed and the product enters the field ofview 420.

It should be understood that in some embodiments, the optical units 412may be capable of storing images or frames for a period of time so thatthe image might be processed to evaluate the markings or indicia. Thus,the image processing does not have to be in real time, but might occurin near real time with the image capture triggered on movement in thefield of view 420.

Depending upon the capability of the optical unit 412, one or moreoptical units 412 can be positioned at a single location such as the topsurface 426 (viewing downwardly) of a cabinet 424 of the device 410, asshown in FIG. 22. The units 412 may also be arranged in a dualorientation system where one or more optical units 412 are attached toopposing locations such as the top surface 426 (viewing downwardly)while the similar optical units 412 are attached to a bottom surface 428of the cabinet 424 (viewing is up) whereas collectively they can image alabel from above or from below through a clear plastic storage tray 24.A dual orientation system supports bagged product whose information isfacing either up or down.

In the illustrative embodiment, the optical units 412 each include acontroller which, under the direction of the master controller 76 orkiosk 100, changes the position that is being imaged to the expectedlocation of the product being stored or removed. Using this information,an optical unit 412 with an adjustable focal depth lens can be preset bythe controller of the optical unit 412 to preset the lens to theexpected field of view. This lens adjustment would illustratively occurprior to the cabinet 424 door 430 being unlocked. For example, there arefour fields of view 420 _(U1), 420 _(U2), 420 _(U3), and 420 _(U4)looking vertically downward and four fields of view 420 _(L1), 420_(L2), 420 _(L3), and 420 _(L4) looking upward. shown. Each of thefields of view 420 _(U1), 420 _(U2), 420 _(U3), 420 _(U4), 420 _(L1),420 _(L2), 420 _(L3), and 420 _(L4) have been adjusted to be focused ona common generally vertical position 446.

As shown in FIG. 22, in some instances, the field of view may beexpanded, as represented by reference numeral 420 _(E) which shows howthe field of view may be expanded to extend out of the cabinet 424.

As shown in FIG. 24, each of the fields of view 420 _(U1), 420 _(U2),420 _(U3), 420 _(U4), 420 _(L1), 420 _(L2), 420 _(L3), and 420 _(L4) maybe set to a different focal length, depending on the targeted location.FIG. 25 is representative of how the focal length of the optical units412 might be varied, with the fields of view Each of the fields of view420 _(U1), 420 _(U2), 420 _(U3), and 420 _(U4) each being shown withdifferent focal lengths and illustrating the use of only one set ofoptical units 412 with all of the units positioned on the top surface426.

Referring now to FIG. 26, in another embodiment, individual trays 440 ordrawers are held locked by an individual electro-magnet 442 that, whenenergized engages with a ferrous member 444 positioned in the body ofthe tray 440. The electro-magnet 442 is in communication with acontroller, such as master controller 76 which energizes theelectro-magnet 442. While effective at holding a tray 440 closed toprevent removal of the stored contents, the electro-magnet 442 is asignificant consumer of power and, as such, when many are used have thepotential to generate significant heat in a closed cabinet. If thecabinet includes a refrigeration system the efficiency of the systemwill be reduced as the refrigeration portion will have to operate moreoften to counter the effects of the electro-magnet 442 heat output. Ifthe cabinet is passive, meaning no refrigeration system, the heat outputof the electromagnets 442 will cause the internal chamber to heat upsuch that as a minimum an active air exchange feature (unit fans) willhave to be added or the chamber inside will become too hot for productstorage. Either way the unit will use more energy than is desired.

In some embodiments, the excess heat can be avoided by coordinating theelectro-magnets 442 with a door lock 80 discussed above orelectro-magnet. When product is not being loaded or removed from thecabinet the door can remain locked and the internal individual storagetray 24 electro-magnets 442 are deenergized. When a product check-in orcheck-out event is occurring, the internal storage tray 24electro-magnets 442 are energized just before or at the same time as thechamber door is unlocked. If the chassis were to be located in a highvibration environment or be moved about (such as a mobile unit) aconcern may exist about a drawer/tray shifting away from theelectro-magnet when off such that it would be too far from theelectro-magnet for it to recapture the drawer/tray/etc. and re-lock itupon the electro-magnet energizing. In this event and during the periodthat the chassis door is locked, one option would be for theelectro-magnet instead of powering fully off can be driven by a low dutycycle PWM such that its strength is just sufficient to maintain apositive hold on the tray (but not sufficient to apply locking force). Aheat load will still exist within the system but at a much reducedlevel.

Beyond heat load, the above configurations would also improve functionaloperation under a battery backup condition. Instead of maintaining alarge power load which would drain backup batteries quickly, poweringjust the door lock (electro-magnetic lock) or solenoid door latch(solenoid is powered to unlock) and only powering the electro-magnetsduring a controlled access event would allow for a much longerfunctional timeframe maintaining the locked condition. This extendedbattery operation would potentially be more important when the storedproduct is pharmacy related.

It should be understood that in some embodiments, the entire tray,drawer, bin, or other internal storage device may be constructedentirely of ferrous material. In other embodiments, multipleelectro-magnets 442 may be used with the same tray, drawer, bin, orother internal storage device. In some embodiments, several ferrousmembers 444 may be embedded in a non-ferrous tray, drawer, bin, or otherinternal storage device and each ferrous member 444 may interact with aparticular electro-magnetic 442.

Referring now to FIGS. 28-29, the refrigerator 510 is similar to therefrigerator 10 and like reference numerals will be used where thefeatures are the same. As shown in FIG. 28, the actuation system 526 ofthe refrigerator 510 does not include a gantry, but includes a number ofcircuit assemblies 588 which are each fixed to the rack 20 at a fixedlocation that corresponds to a row of storage spaces 22. In theillustrative embodiment, there are 20 circuit assemblies 588. Eachcircuit assembly 588 is connected to a specific connector associatedwith an interface board 576 which corresponds to the row of storagespaces 22 which is associated with the specific circuit assembly 588. Inthis way, the particular location of each circuit assembly 588 isdetermined by the control system 572 (shown in FIG. 29). The controlsystem 572 is similar to the control system 72 of the refrigerator 10,with the omission of the actuation assembly 88, replaced by the circuitassemblies 588 and the addition of the interface boards 576. The controlsystem 572 also omits the positioning controller 78 and replaces it witha separate communications board 574.

Each interface board 576 distributes power and RS485 communication toeach of the circuit assemblies 588 from the communications board 574.The interface board 576 also contains shift registers with differentlatched inputs based on connector placement location such that a circuitassembly 588 will automatically know its position relative to therespective interface board 574, and accordingly, the requests it is torespond to as the requests over the RS485 network are broadcast to allcircuit assemblies 588. Further a rotary switch on each interface board576 changes the two input shift register bit configuration to allow foran interface board 576 to consider itself 1 of 4 possiblepositions—those bits in conjunction with 3 others fully defining allcircuit assembly 588 independent row positions. In some embodiments, adifferent setup could allow more interface boards 576 and circuitassemblies 588 by using additional bits.

The control system 572 also includes a user interface 650, a battery652, a user interface power board 654, a power distribution board 656,and a router 658. The user interface 650 provides direct control of therefrigerator 510 to a properly authorized user. In addition, the battery650, user interface power board 654, and power distribution board 656allow for efficient transmission of power to the control system 572 andoperation of portions of the refrigerator 510 in power outages. Therouter 79 is similar to the wireless module 79 and facilitatescommunication between the various components of the control system 572.

Referring now to FIGS. 30 and 31, a circuit assembly 588 is shown. Thecircuit assembly 588 is similar to the circuit assembly 88 with somedifferences. The circuit assembly 588 is separated into four sections590, 592, 594 and 596. Each section 590, 592, 594 and 596 includes asolenoid 50, an optical sensor 60, a magnetic sensor 602, and a pair ofLED arrays 598, 600. The circuit assembly 588 also includes atemperature sensor 604. Each section 590, 592, 594 and 596 is positionedto be adjacent a particular storage space 22. The solenoid 50 operatesas described above to move an arm 554 between a release position and asecured position. The use of the signal optical sensor 60 with each arm554 in the refrigerator 510 relies on the identification of the state ofthe solenoid to determine if the solenoid plunger 52 has been extended.If it has, and the optical sensor 60 does not detect the arm 554, thenerror condition will be detected and signal to the control system 524.

Each of the LED arrays 598 and 600 includes three LEDs 606, 608, and610. In some embodiments, the LEDs 606, 608, and 610 are all the samecolor. In other embodiments, each of the LEDs 606, 608, and 610 are adifferent color and independently activated to provide different colorsof illumination. In some embodiments, the LEDs 606, 608, and 610 areilluminated intermittently. The illumination of the LEDs 606, 608, and610 provides an indication to a user of which of the storage trays 524have been released. In use, each of the arrays 598 and 600 associatedwith a specific location will be illuminated simultaneously. The arrays598 and 600 are positioned so that the light travels alongside the tray524. As discussed above, the tray 524 conducts and emits the light ofthe LEDs 606, 608, and 610 to draw attention to the tray 524.

The magnetic sensor 602 is positioned to detect a magnet 612 positionedin the tray 524 as shown in phantom in FIG. 32-36. When a storage tray524 is properly positioned in a storage space 22, the magnet 612 iswithin the field of detection of the magnetic sensor 602. The magneticsensor 602 detects the magnetic field emitted by the magnet 612 andprovides a signal to the control system 572 that there is a storage tray524 positioned in the associated storage space 22.

The temperature sensor 604 is used to determine a value of thetemperature in the enclosure 16 in the area of the circuit assembly 588.This temperature can be compared to other temperatures sensed by othertemperature sensors 604 on other circuit assemblies 588 to evaluate thevariations in temperature. For example, the temperature sensors 604 maybe compared to determine if there is a temperature gradient within theenclosure 16. The temperature sensors 604 may also help determine whichof the products stored in the refrigerator 510 might have been subjectedto an over temperature condition, rather than considering all of theproducts as suspect. In some embodiments, additional temperature sensorsmay be used and a temperature sensor 604 may be positioned in each ofthe sections 590, 592, 594 and 596 of each circuit assembly 588, therebypermitting additional data to be gathered.

The arm 554 of refrigerator 510 further includes a push rod 556, bestseen in FIG. 30, that is operable to engage the storage tray 524 as theplunger 60 extends to cause the motion of the plunger 60 to betransferred to the tray 524 to push the tray 524 outwardly slightly.This movement of the tray 524 provides an additional indication to auser of the tray 524 that has been released due to the user's request.The plunger 60 acts on the arm 54 as indicated by arrow 614 causing thearm 554 to pivot about axis 56 in the direction of arrow 618. The pushrod 556 engages the back surface 172 of the tray 524 and urges the tray524 to move in the direction of arrow 616, displacing the tray 524 fromthe storage position.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 32, the tray 524 supports a lid 620 thatis similar to lid 110 but includes two protrusions 622, 628 which extendupwardly from a body 626. The protrusions 622 and 624 are configured toprevent the tray 524 from being completely removed from a storage space22. Referring to FIG. 33, the tray 524 is positioned in a storage space522. As the tray 524 is moved to the left, out of the storage space 522,the hook 194 on the bottom of the tray 524 engages the stop 186extending from the shelf 188. The protrusion 522 prevents the tray 524from being rotated sufficiently to allow the hook 194 to clear the stop186. Thus, when present, the lid 620 is configured to prevent theremoval of the tray 524. A user must reach into the tray 524, dislodgethe lid 620 to create sufficient clearance for the hook 194 to clear thestop 186 and then remove the tray 524. This prevents inadvertent removalof the tray 524 by a user.

Referring now to FIG. 36, a tray 624 is similar to tray 524, butincludes a reflective coating 630 positioned on the bottom interiorsurface of the tray 624. The reflective coating 630 is used to assistwith detecting whether a medical products container 108 is positioned inthe tray 624. In the embodiment of FIG. 36, a refrigerator 710 includesan optical emitter 632 positioned on the bottom of a shelf 188 andpositioned to direct light down into the tray 624 as shown in FIG. 37. Acompanion detector 634 is positioned to detect light emitted by theemitter 632 and reflected by the reflective coating 630. Therefrigerator 710 further includes a shroud 636 to prevent light from theemitter 632 to be directly detected by the detector 634. The controlsystem 772 of the refrigerator 710 is operable to cause the variousemitters 632 in each storage space 22 to be selectively illuminatedwhile the detector 634 is monitored. If the detector 634 detects thelight emitted from the emitter 632, the light is presumably beingreflected by the reflective coating 630. Thus, the control system 772determines that there are no medical products container 108 positionedin the tray 624, because such a container would not properly reflect theemitted light. In this way, the control system 772 is operable to detectthe presence or absence of a medical product or medical productscontainer 108 positioned in the tray 624. It should be understood thatan emitter 632 and detector pair 634 could be positioned in one or more,including all, of the storage spaces 22 of the refrigerator 710.

In still another embodiment shown in FIG. 38, a refrigerator 810includes a near field detector 812 positioned on the bottom of the shelf188. The near field detector 812 is configured to detect the presence ofa medical component container 108 positioned in a tray 524. The nearfield detector 812 in the illustrative embodiment simply generates afield signal when the detector 812 is energized to a baseline signal. Ifa control system 872 of the refrigerator 810 determines the detectedsignal is different from the baseline signal, the detector 812determines that a medical product or medical product container 108 ispositioned in the tray 524. In some embodiments, the near field detector812 may be positioned on the top of a shelf 188 and positioned to allowthe tray 524 to be slid overtop of the detector 812.

In some embodiments, the detector 812 may comprise a radio frequencydetector. A medical products container 108 may include a radio frequencyidentification tag that identifies the particular container 108. The tagmay be a passive tag that reflects energy from the detector 812 or maybe an active tag that actively transmits radio frequency identification.In such embodiments, the control system 872 is operable to detect theidentification from the tag and associate it with the particulardetector 812 which detects the signal, thereby identifying a location ofthe particular tag. When the particular material is called for, LEDsassociated with the storage space 22 may illuminate to indicate thelocation of the tag. Because a detector 182 may detect signals from tagsin adjacent storage spaces 22, in some cases, the control system 872 mayidentify multiple locations for the same tagged item. In such cases, thecontrol system 872 may illuminate multiple LEDs in multiple spaces toprovide a user with an idea of the general vicinity of the tag andassociated material. In still other embodiments, the control system 872may utilize known methods for triangulating the location of theparticular tag based on signal strength, or determining the locationmathematically by a composite analysis of all of the detectors 812 whichdetect the signal.

Although certain illustrative embodiments have been described in detailabove, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit ofthis disclosure as described and as defined in the following claims.

1. A storage device for medical products comprises a control system, acabinet enclosing a plurality of storage spaces, a plurality of storagecontainers, each storage container associated with one of the storagespaces, and an actuation assembly including an array of actuators, eachof the actuators of the array being associated with a respective storagecontainer, each of the actuators being independently actuable to secureor release the respective storage container with which the respectiveactuator is associated.
 2. The storage device of claim 1, wherein eachstorage space includes an arm movable between a first position in whichthe arm secures a respective storage container and a second position inwhich the arm releases the respective storage container.
 3. The storagedevice of claim 2, wherein the arm includes a hook that engages therespective storage container when the arm secures the storage containerand disengages the respective storage container when the arm releasesthe respective storage container.
 4. The storage device of claim 3,wherein a respective actuator of the actuation assembly is operable tomove a respective arm between the first and second positions.
 5. Thestorage device of claim 4, wherein the storage device further includes adetector to detect the position of the arm.
 6. The storage device ofclaim 5, wherein each actuator has an associated sensor for detectingthe position of an arm adjacent the respective actuator.
 7. The storagedevice of claim 6, wherein the sensor is a proximity sensor.
 8. Thestorage device of claim 6, wherein the sensor is an optical sensor. 9.The storage device of claim 8, wherein the sensor is positioned on theactuation assembly and movable therewith.
 10. The storage device ofclaim 9, wherein the arm is pivotable about a pivot axis between thefirst and second positions.
 11. The storage device of claim 10, whereineach actuator comprises a solenoid actuated plunger that engages arespective arm when the solenoid is energized to thereby move the armbetween the first and second positions.
 12. The storage device of claim11, wherein the control system compares the state of the solenoid to thesignal from the detector to determine if the arm is properly positioned.13. The storage device of claim 12, wherein the arm is formed to includea push rod which acts on the respective storage container as the arm ismoved to the second position to cause the storage container to be movedin the storage space such that a portion of the storage containerextends outwardly from the storage space.
 14. The storage device ofclaim 12, wherein each of the arms engage a release mechanism operableto simultaneously move the plurality of arms to the second position. 15.The storage device of claim 14, wherein the release mechanism ismanually operable.
 16. The storage device of claim 15, wherein therelease mechanism includes a security device to prevent the releasemechanism from being actuated.
 17. The storage device of claim 16,wherein the security device is a lock that is only moveable by operationof a key.
 18. The storage device of claim 17, wherein the release devicefurther includes a mechanical structure that moves to an indicatorposition when the release device has been actuated.
 19. The storagedevice of claim 18, wherein the mechanical structure does not returnfrom the indicator position when the release device is returned topermit the arms to return to their respective first positions.
 20. Thestorage device of claim 19, wherein the storage device includes a re-setactuator that is operable, under the control of the control system, tomove the mechanical structure from the indicator position after therelease device has been moved to allow the arms to return to theirrespective first positions.
 21. The storage device of claim 20, whereinthe release device automatically locks when returned to a home position.22. The storage device of claim 21, further comprising a climate controlsystem operable to monitor and control the climate in the cabinet. 23.The storage device of claim 22, wherein the storage device furthercomprises a positioning assembly in communication with the controlsystem, wherein the positioning assembly moves the actuation assemblyunder the control of the control system, such that each actuator isadjacent a respective first one of the storage containers in a firstposition and a respective second one of the storage containers in asecond position.
 24. The storage device of claim 14, wherein the storagedevice includes at least one detector for detecting the position of theactuation assembly, the detector for detecting the position of theactuation assembly being supported on the actuation assembly.
 25. Thestorage device of claim 24, wherein the detector for detecting theposition of the actuation assembly determines the position of theactuation assembly by detecting a characteristic of a fixed componentadjacent the actuation assembly.
 26. The storage device of claim 25,wherein the detector comprises a plurality of sensors, each sensorproviding a signal responsive to a characteristic of a respective fixedcomponent adjacent the actuation assembly, the control systemdetermining the position of the actuation assembly by comparing thesignals from the plurality of sensors to a known arrangement of fixedcomponents to identify the particular position of the actuationassembly.
 27. The storage device of claim 2, wherein the storage devicefurther comprises an indicator assembly operable to provide anindication to a user of a storage location where the storage containerhas been released.